A child’s gratitude

I remember the toy stethoscope that Mama bought me when I was six years old. I remember the science books Daddy gave me when I was in the sixth grade.

I remember how they watched me fall in line during my application for admission to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. I remember how they were so proud to know that I passed the university entrance exam.

I remember how they prayed so hard with me when the days of class-card distribution came. I remember the tears on their happy faces when they watched me stand onstage to receive my nurse’s cap. I remember what my professor told me then: “I wonder how your parents will react when they find out your grade?”

I remember how they stayed with me, patiently and nervously waiting like me for the battery exam results. I remember what they said when I burst into tears at that point when I felt like giving up: “Give up at this time, anak? You’re almost done. Hang on.”

We can still remember in our minds and hearts all you did for us so we can be here now. We will never forget. Thank you for everything!

Thank you for making coffee whenever you sensed that we were in great need of staying up all night to prepare for an exam. Thank you for patiently washing and ironing our white uniform, making sure that it’s free from stains and wrinkles. Thank you for waiting up late at night so you can be sure that we got home safe from hospital duty. Thank you for patiently listening to our endless stories of our everyday experiences as student nurses. Thank you for always being considerate of our shortcomings in doing the house chores because of our need to study. Thank you for supporting us in every way you can. Thank you for never getting tired of understanding us.

For all of these, let me end with what you, our parents, constantly reminded us regarding our education: “This is not for us. This is for you.” We all agree that our education is for our own future. But all of these will not be possible without your guidance and motivation. All of these will not be possible without you being an inspiration to us! So now, allow us to say, “This is also for you!”

Toni Mae Tobias Paris, 19, is a new nursing graduate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.