When You Turned Down that Retirement Benefit

Dear Mum,

I am brought to a particular memory.

Back when I was in high school, you made a decision to leave your promising career to spend more time with us. Some people felt like you could have waited a little longer, in order for you to get that retirement benefit. But that didn’t matter to you. You knew that even in those few years, a lot could already be done.

This started when cancer came back the second time, and you got to spend more time at home. So when kuya and I got home from school, you got first dibs on all our stories. You enjoyed every bit of it, and I enjoyed seeing you and spending time with you.

And I remember, when you finally recovered, and got back to work, you decided that you wanted to spend more time with the family. Not that you didn’t when you had a full time job, but I remember you telling me that you wanted to be more present. 

You chose us over your career, over your retirement benefit, even when you really did not have to. You’ve always done that, and so I never felt like you never had time for us. Thank you for doing that mum. Thank you for reminding me that although we should be spending our money wisely, there are still a bunch of things that money can’t buy.

May I always keep in mind the things that really matter. I miss you always, I miss you everyday.

Love,

Jess