Kippy Cat, A Mother’s Day Gift
AJ often takes a photo of his mascot, Ernie whenever we are in new media events. Ernie even has his own travel blog (which at this time is on temporary hiatus due to technical issues) since he tagged along with AJ in all his adventures in and around the country. Looking at AJ with Ernie, an inspiration hit me. Why not have a mascot myself?
See, I often take photos of people, places and events but I rarely get the chance to be in the photo. The mascot takes my place. Now what mascot?
The mascot I choose must be memorable. Another inspiration struck me.
I then recall “Kippy Cat”, Luijoe’s favorite stuffed animal in 1996. Mother’s Day 1996 was soon approaching but my US trip would make it impossible for me to be with my children. Luijoe, being the youngest at three years old was still so attached to me. I know that Butch is a wonderful parent and will make an excellent mother to Luijoe. Yet, I felt guilty leaving Luijoe. I got this freebie Kitty from I-forgot-the-place and handed it to Luijoe.
Lui, this is kitty cat
Lui rubbed the kitty to his nose Kippy Cat!
Kippy Cat remained Luijoe’s comfort while I was in the USA. Kippy Cat never left his side while I was away from him. When I returned after a month, he rubbed Kippy Cat’s nose on to my nose.
Kippy Cat!
I forgot all about Kippy Cat when Luijoe died. I kept his favorite toys tucked away in his room as I always do for my children’s old toys and books and I just left it at that. During the taping of Proudly Filipina, the production staff asked for Luijoe’s favorite toy when I opened his cabinet. I got the Kippy cat and held it lovingly in my hands as I stared at its torn whiskers and worn pink nose. Luijoe must have chewed on Kippy Cat
I told the crew, This is Luijoe’s favorite toy because it gave comfort to him while I was away.
Today as I hold Kippy Cat close to my chest, a flood of happy and poignant memories lift me to high spirits and I feel the comfort of his love. Kippy Cat will now be my mascot.
Just as Kippy Cat gave comfort to Luijoe once, it is mine to hold and remember how love never dies.
Mother’s Day is especially created for mothers. For those who have lost a child, try to get through them the best that you can, in whatever way feels right for you. Truly, only you know what that is. Whether it is alone those first few years or with people that you love and who understand, do something that you find comforting. It is your day, for you were the giver of a precious life - you held a miracle in your arms. Even as powerfully destructive as death is, even that cannot take those memories away from you– they are your child’s gift to you.
To all the mothers, have a blessed Mother’s day. Read Motherhood Means Self Care by my friend, Cathy Babao-Guballa.
Happy Mother’s Day
Past Mother’s Day Entries:
1. My Three Babies and their Mama- 2007
2. My Mom on Mother’s Day- 2006
Filipina mom) and my journey to a "new normal" after the death of 
Waah… I got teary eyed with this entry… must remain calm…
Anyway, I think Kippy Cat will be an adorable mascot.
Advanced happy mother’s day Noemi.
Fitz’s last blog post..The Most Powerful Force In The Universe
Happy Mother’s Day, Noemi!
Thanks for sharing such a heartwarming story of Kippy Cat and Luijoe.
chateau a.k.a. imom’s last blog post..Photo Hunt: ANYthing - Serene Serendra
Happy Mother’s Day, Tita Noemi.
ganns’s last blog post..Twilight and Tempura Caterpillar Roll
@Fitz- Actually, I got teary-eyed. Memories like these give a warm fuzzy feeling. Even happy memories can be heart-tugging
@chateau- I forgot all about it until that Proudly Filipina Episode
@ganns- thanks. Happy Mother’s day to your wife.
Thank you for sharing this touching story about Kippy Cat and Luijoe.
Happy Mother’s Day to you Noemi. May you have a special day ahead. God bless.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)’s last blog post..SocialSpark is Now Live
happy mother’s day, dear noemi! glad to meet your kippy cat
raqgold’s last blog post..Moms, how does a baby smell?
Happy Mothers’ Day, Noemi!
Happy Mother’s Day! I always get this “pang” in my chest everytime you tell a story about Luijoe. Thanks for sharing….
sassy mom’s last blog post..Making Memories
@Rach @raqgold @rhodora @sassy mom- thanks for the warm Mother’s day Greeting. Happy Mother’s day to us.
Happy Mother’s Day, Noemi I hope to meet Kippy Kat soon.
SexyMom’s last blog post..The Nick Joaquin Biography
happy mother’s day tita noemi!
so dadalhin mo na rin si kippy cat sa mga events? Yay! madami na tayong may mga mascots. ahehe
eric’s last blog post..Guimaras: More than just the sweet Mangoes
Happy mother’s day po! =)
Ed’s last blog post..Madonna Unleashed World Tour Details, Manila Not on the List (Yet)
@sexy mom- soon! when we go out together.
@eric- lol,yes during events and travels. Dami na.
@Ed- Thanks Ed!
Hi Noemi, Happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy our special day.
Rowena’s last blog post..Another Contest
“Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love.”
Happy Mother’s Day to a loving mom like you…
Ces’s last blog post..Welcome Aboard!
Happy Mother’s Day Noemi! Kippy cat would make a great mascot.
Belle’s last blog post..Stamp Out Hunger
Wow… I don’t really know what to say except I hope you had a happy mother’s day. God bless you
philos’s last blog post..Photohunt: Happy Mother’s Day
So we will be seeing more of your new mascot, kippy cat?
I love this story and the photos of Luijoe. I know you carry him around inside you. He is never really away, is he?
So what did you do today, wondermom? Hope you had fun.
annamanila’s last blog post..The Doctora-Not-Quite
that was a touching article noemi. i wished i enjoyed wonderful memories like that with son. kippy cat deserves to be your mascot, i’m sure luijoe still watches over you through his favorite toy.
happy mother’s day, you deserve every word.
mhel’s last blog post..Little Marikenyo and the Joys of Motherhood
@Rowena- I didn’t cook so we ate out at Barrio Fiesta
@ces- thanks Ces. I enjoyed being a full time mom all these years.
@Belle- thanks so much. I hope to get more photos with Kippy Cat
@Philos- thanks for the greeting.
@Annamanila- yes Lui is never really away. I just think the mascot makes the photos more meaningfu;
@mhel- Heh, I was touched myself. Sometimes when I write an entry, I never know where the story ends. Thanks for the greeting.
Mabuhay ang mga mom blogger
Dexter’s last blog post..SEO Tips : Understanding Links Strategy
happy mother’s day po
Your story about Lui and his Kippy Cat is so touching me…I can imagine how precious is Kippy Cat for you now as it has the memory of Lui…Happy mother’s day
belated happy mother’s day po!
dyanie’s last blog post..Junior’s Cheesecakes = H-E-A-V-E-N
2 years ago I gave my mom a fighting-fish in a bowl. She loved it.
Ow, btw belated happy mother’s day!
Ely’s last blog post..The Science Of Getting Rich: Your Right, The Science And Opportunities
Whenever I travel I bring along one of the stuffed toys Miguel gives me. I have a favorite though, Mr. Bunny Wabbit, and I’ve brought him to quite a number of trips. It’s my connection to my baby when I’m far, far away.
Aileen Apolo’s last blog post..My Mom, the Adventurista
@aileen- I know the feeling. Whenever I used to travel, I missed the kids so much that I wanted to go home the next day. The bunny wabbit is cute too.
Kippy cat is adorable. My children’s toys too are like that, worn, torn but loved.
I hope I would be able to see Kippy Cat
julie’s last blog post..Child Abuse? Child Exploitation?
Awww… Luijoe and Kippy cat reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes.
Maki’s last blog post..Noneed4ink.com No More