May the trip that was be the trip that will be

I am a public school teacher and a mother of two beautiful daughters, eight years old and one year old, respectively. With my work, the time I spend with them is very limited. This is when I tutor my firstborn in her assignments and play with my toddler as the former does the task I give her. This doesn’t even take two hours during weekdays. Thus I always look forward to weekends. Sadly, I even have to do some unfinished schoolwork on weekends.

But I need a livelihood for the life I wish my children to have. As a usual routine, I go to school as early as most public school teachers do. With utmost commitment to lead by example, I make sure to attend the daily flag-raising ceremony. With this I need to be in school not later than 7:15 a.m.

Residing far from my school, I have to apply “Wonder Woman” moves. I have to rise up early, prepare breakfast and my grader for school, while caring for my toddler who loves to tag along with me. A scene I will always remember is when I carry her in my left arm while cooking breakfast. Thank heavens anyway for giving me a partner who is consistently committed to working with me with these daily endeavors.

The routine is challenging but I feel a different beating of my heart whenever I kiss my youngest goodbye before entrusting her to Nanay (stayout nanny) while I am at work.

I have never been this sentimental before. But my children have taught me a lot—how brief is my time with them as a mother and teacher. Whenever I face my students, I see in them my own children. This haunts me and reminds me of every mother’s wish—to see their children in good hands.

Having been a teacher for the past 14 years, I can say that nothing compares to the feeling of being remembered by my non-biological children as if I am their true mom. I feel like I am in seventh heaven when I receive messages from across the globe, surprised by bouquets of flowers delivered door-to-door, laughing over meaningful emojis, reading cards and e-cards. These are some of my wonderful experiences as a teacher. Above all these, seeing my former students reach the peak of their success and becoming greater and higher than I am gives an extra dose of satisfaction.

As the world gives tribute to all the teachers on World Teachers' Day, I cannot help but look back and celebrate with the two most influential mentors who made my life and the lives of my three siblings even more colorful and meaningful – my parents. When I see myself too tired balancing between family and work, I recall my parents’ hard work. When I am about to lose control, I remember their patience to have the four of us finish our degrees. When I am beset by the tantrums and mischiefs of my children after a tiring day, I look back at how my parents keep us from harm. Whenever I face uncertainties, I simply remind myself how my parents helped make my dreams a reality.

With all the twists and turns in the life of a working mother like me, I appreciate and feel truly blessed how God arranges the trips that I have taken. When my tears begin to fall and my body becomes weak, I look back at the past and silently thank the people behind this journey. I could not have travelled this far if not for my greatest teachers—Papa Vidal and Mama Lily.

With a braver heart, I am prepared for more challenges ahead. I fear no more for I have the best drivers who took the risks of bringing me and my siblings to the world only a few have the opportunity to experience. I hope we can take our children to the same trips you gave us and I hope we can be as best drivers as you were. May the trips we had be the same trips that will be.

Indeed nothing compares to being remembered and appreciated. My World Teachers Day celebration is even happier because I have this chance to shout in a wider arena that no matter how old I get and how far I will reach, it all started from you both my amazing teachers.

Thank you Papa and Mama.

Rhea Barrita Caraballe