Mommy power is in our hands

Posted by noemi in Current Affairs, Milestones | 9 comments

Tweet “Because I think the Filipino is worth crying for”. David Briscoe, February 25, 1986

I felt my baby tumble with joy inside my belly as the announcement from the radio blasted out that indeed Cory Aquino was our new president. My baby is now a 23 year old lady turning 24 next month. It’s been 24 years since my joy came in a stream of tears. There were many reasons worth crying for—a sign of relief from the threats of a civil war, the challenges facing the new President, for the citizenry who finally showed the courage to challenge the Marcoses.

I smiled and carressed my belly assuring my unborn baby that she will now be born in a democracy. As a new mother, I desired nothing else but peace, not the turmoil that was about to explode with the cheating of the elections done under a dictatorial regime. Fighting the dictatorship was a struggle that I fought for as a student in the state university.

Ang sarap maging Filipino.

For many years, I idolized Cory Aquino. I looked up to Cory Aquino for having the courage to fight a dictator and restore a democracy. I am forever grateful for that. Never mind if her government faced numerous power struggles. Never mind if Kamaganak Inc allegedly gained from her presidency. Many years in denial. It took the same daughter to shake off that “romantic affair” with the People power revolution. It is easy to romanticize while pondering at what EDSA meant, especially in light of Cory’s death.

The outpouring in Cory’s funeral meant the expression of longing for honesty, decency, and democracy. It does not mean that this automatically transfers to a son or a daughter by means of heredity.

Nick Perlas adds that “What it does mean is that the nation is longing for a leader that had the traits of Cory PLUS the capacity to transform institutions and systems.”
The same daughter that somersaulted inside me 24 years ago questioned my initial support for Noynoy Aquino when I wrote the entry, Noynoy Aquino- The Gate Changer. What were his qualifications? Just because he is the son of a beloved president? I mused and perused. A clear picture unfolded before me- competency, character, coherent platform, clear vision. It took my wise daughter born at the peak of the People power revolution fever to awaken me from that stupor. I thought I knew all the answers for the future citizens of the country. Mommies can make mistake too. This time , I will not cloud my judgement over the euphoria of People Power 1. It is not the time to be emotional just because there is an evil president, the most hated president next to the dictator.

What I look for in a president is not in Noynoy. Mommies know what is best for their children but this time, my children knew what is best for them.

Take time to listen to your children even if they are not of voting age. Discuss the issues and criteria needed for the future president of our country. We have the power to educate ourselves and vote wisely for the country.

Mommy power is in our hands.

Today marks my blog’s 4th anniversary and this blog transcended beyond just a grief advocacy blog. The domain name, aboutmyrecovery.com not only speaks about my personal recovery.

Aboutmyrecovery.com now encompasses the recovery of our country and the struggles to achieve it.

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