My son,
It seems just like yesterday when you were a baby. Twenty three years ago, I gave birth to you in the hospital while a huge storm was raging outside. Was it a sign that you were in for a lot of “storms” in your life? I don’t think so. I always thought that all that rain was a “shower of blessings.”
Last week, you have decided to take a break from school and take on a full time job. The little obstacles you met along the way is now a huge wall that separates you from your college diploma. You shifted majors because you felt that you were not capable of balancing your studies and your sports activities. You took the least number of units so that you could have more free time. Finally, the time came that you really wanted to get over with your school work and graduate. But then you fell ill with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever a few days before your midterm exams. Who would want to get sick anyway? Your professors were short of understanding and gave you failing marks. You lost your scholarship. So now, you have decided to find work and save money to pay for tuition. At this time when you have set your heart on being more serious in your studies, you got sick and hospitalized for three weeks. Was it fate?
I know you are in for a lot of bashing from your grandmother. Her ways are still about living in the 60s. Please understand that she says those things because she loves you and she wants to see you in a better life than what I have. You know what I went through and it worries me that one of you, my children, might end up like me. Please, my son, do not allow this to happen.
My son, I know how it is to be young and carefree. It is an exhilarating time in life when weekends are spent with friends, and summers mean road trips to beaches, resorts and hiking spots. It is cool to have parents who you can turn to when you need spending money. However, what I need you to learn is just one thing – Setting your priorities. You are a son first and a student second. School is where you learn skills that will earn you a living later on. Sure, there are jobs you can find for undergraduates, however, the future will be brighter and more doors of opportunities will be open for those who have a bachelor’s degree in whatever field. You need to understand that a little sacrifice here and there will ensure that you will be able to better provide for your future family. Do everything you can so that you do not end up like me – cash strapped and old before my time.
Keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. I want you to find that reason. I want you to be more sensitive to the feelings of people around you who truly, truly care for your happiness and well-being. Do not rush into things. When you come face to face with a difficult situation, take two steps back. Look at the bigger picture. Think. Plan. Act.
As always, I fully support your decision in life. You are a grown man. Go into the world and spread your wings. I know you will do well in this new endeavor. Be wise with your earnings and save enough to eventually pay your way through college someday.
Finally, I want to say that I need you to help me fulfill my promise to my father – which I will never give up until I see three college diplomas hanging on my wall. Only then can I have peace of mind that you and your siblings will be guaranteed a good life.
Pray for guidance. Pray for strength. Pray for wisdom. Pray and give thanks for all the lessons learned.
The post An Open Letter to My Son appeared first on Heart and Soul Ezine.