Mio figlio è stato vittima di bullismo: ho lasciato tutto all’estero per lui.
For three years he endured others country for family dreams. But one night, a call destroyed the all. Maam, the child is not coming to school anymore you There is a problem. What is problem? Why didn’t he be told by his own child? And why is there a bruise on face of the child he will see in the video call? Sometimes the hardest fight is not the far from the family but the know that while you are gone someone is hurting to your child every day.
The sky is already dark in Dubai Maricel’s cell phone rang. He just came from s time work as co-regiver in a rich arab family. very tired his body but always awake his heart for a single reason why is he there a person his older daughter Jasmine. He looked at the screen. Nope the number is familiar. Philippine number.
This is not his mother’s number Grandma Nena is taking care of you Jasmine in Bulacan. It’s not the brother’s number either his name is Roy. I have a hunch suddenly crawled into his chest. He answered the call. Hello This is Marcel Ramos. Yes. who are they Hi, I’m Ilra Erlinda Santos. I am your son’s advisor in grade 5.
Sorry for the inconvenience but it’s necessary I can talk to you about you Jasmine. Maricel’s world stopped. When the teacher calls, there is always someone problem And in his three years working abroad, this is the first chance he received the call from the child’s school. what what happened to my son, ma’am? It’s okay is he A deep heap breath from the other line.
Hello, hasn’t come in for a few weeks Jasmine. We tried to call the your grandmother but she said, every day Jasmine is said to be leaving for come in I talked to Jasmine last time he comes in and ma’am there is a problem. What’s the problem, ma’am? Please tell me to me The line is quiet for now. Like the teacher thinks of the right word.
Maam, I don’t know how I would say this but it looks like it’s being ignored Jasmine. We didn’t notice it right away because he is a good boy. Quiet. Not complaining but another student saw it sometimes pushing him. His stuff is scattered. called that ugly word. And when last week, Maam, I saw him of the janitor crying alone in the back of Ellen.
His hands trembled Maricel. His heart beat faster. He felt the pain as if there was caressing his chest. I’m sorry, why? why did you call me just now? He hasn’t been there for three weeks entering I’m sorry, ma’am. Your grandmother the contact person on record. But no the grandmother answered. So searched I have the second number and that’s it saw yours Maam, I need a child you help After the call, he just sat Maricel on the side of his little one bed in the dormitory.
Five women were with him in one room They are all Yose. They all are someone left in the Philippines. But tonight, it feels like this Maricel, she’s the only one who says no that can be carried. He took the cell phone and called Jasmine at video call. A few rings before the answer child. hi mommy Maricel saw the face of son One eye is closed.
Pale. Thin on the side of the forehead with a small bruise Son, what’s that on your number? Immediately Jasmine tapped what she used to with the hair I just tripped. Mommy. Because I’m naughty. Jasmine, look me Is that true? The child is silent. Didn’t answer. Just a fake smile but he saw it Maricel’s eyes are watering.
Mommy, I’m fine. Don’t you worry. Just study for that we have a lot of money. The words that broke Maricel’s heart. Lab His son is only one year old but it’s thinking about money. Thinking about it if he complains he might go home mother Maybe lose your job. Maybe the shipment is lost. That’s when Maricel realized, taught He kept the son quiet because of distance.
He taught to hide the pain because he doesn’t want to be a burden. And now the child is being bullied and there is nothing anyone fighting for him. That night did not sleep Maricel. The next morning, he went to the agency. Ma’am Marcel, you’ve been here for three years. Your record is good. Why suddenly? home? My son has an emergency.
Nope can you send me home first or talk to video call? Nope. I need to go home Personally, he was stared at manager. When you go home today, there is nothing you come back here. Do you know that? Maricel nodded. I know but more my son is more important than anything contract. The next day, he was on board on the plane back to the Philippines.
While sitting by the window, looking at the clouds. He remembered the day he left. Jasmine was just eight years old. Crying Holding the hem of his dress. Mom, don’t leave I’m good. Promise. And said he said, son, I’ll be back too.Only three years. Then not anymore we will separate Three years have passed. And now he’s going home.
But he is not go home with a smile. He went home with fear, there is anger, there is pain that is not he can explain. When the plane landed in, stopped he himself cried. It’s not time yet. It’s not time yet. Get on board he took a bus to Bulacan. Three hour drive. Every minute it seems months long. He got to their small house around 5 in the afternoon.
He saw Grandma Nena sitting in the there is opposite the house. Washing clothes. Mom. The old woman looked. Obviously shocked. Marcel, why are you here? ran Maricel came closer and hugged her mother. Mom, where is Jasmine? It’s inside. I thought I was at school but I was just here found out that he did not enter again.
Maricel, what’s going on? Why did you come home suddenly? Didn’t answer Maricel. He entered the house and there in the little back room, saw his son Jasmine is lying on the bed Back wrapped in a blanket. Quiet. Nothing moves. Jasmine. The boy turned around. When seeing Marcel, his lips trembled. Gradually the eyes read.
Mom, Mom, why? why are you here come closer Maricel and sat on the edge of the bed. The child’s face was gently touched. He saw the wounds. He saw the bruises. he saw the fear in the child’s eyes. And there everything he was holding back broke emotions. Son, I’m here. Not anymore i will leave you Not anymore. Jasmine’s tears flowed.
Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t say because maybe go home You might lose your job. You might get angry. I’m not mad, son. I’m not angry. My only anger is at myself because I wasn’t here when you needed me me The mother and daughter walked. And in small that room in the middle of the middle of afternoon, a mother returned.
Nope because of the money, not because of the gift, but because of a simple truth His son is poor and has nothing someone else should fight for him but he. The next morning, Maricel woke up next to Jasmine. The didn’t move child all night. Just stuck on him. It’s like being scared when close your eyes, the mother will disappear again.
Maricel carefully got up for the child does not wake up. He came out of room and saw Grandma Nena preparing breakfast, fried rice and fried eggs. Mom, it’s necessary let’s talk The two sat down table Be quiet until Maricel began to speak. mom, I haven’t come in for three weeks Jasmine. You didn’t notice.
I advised the old man He leaves every day house In uniform. How do I know it’s not him? entering Where is he going, mother? I don’t know, son. Maybe in the park or by the creek. He’s just a quiet kid. Nope complaining. I thought he was fine. Stumbled upon Maricel breathed. He is not angry with mother It’s old. There is rheumatism.
May vision problems It’s not sin But he is guilty. She is the mother. He should know. He should be there. Mom, who is teasing Jasmine? I don’t know, Marcel. He doesn’t say. But sometimes I see him cry in the room. I ask, don’t want to answer. I thought he just missed you. Slowly Jasmine came out of the room. seen the two of them were talking.
stop he is at the door. Mommy, what are you talking about? come closer Maricel and held the shoulder of son Son, we need to talk eat sit here Jasmine followed. They are sitting in front of the table. Three they Maricel, Jasmine and Lola Nena Son, I want to know the true I will not be angry. I will not leave you.
But I have to find out what’s really going on at school. They started shaking Jasmine’s hand. He bowed. Nope be able to look into the mother’s eyes. Mommy, nothing is happening. I’m fine Jasmine. I know there is bruises on your face I know crying you at night I know you are three weeks old of not entering Son, don’t fool me.
Tell me mine is the truth. The wilderness passed seconds of silence and then Jasmine’s tears flowed. Mommy, since the day you left you, I’ve been called abandoned to school. They say I don’t have one mother that you left me because you didn’t want to me that no one will love me because you’re only after money.
Be patient I was just mommy. I can handle it. But when I was in grade 5, I moved to a group from our school and they the one that started it all. listened to Maricel. Every word of the son like his chest swelled. Who are their children? There are three of them mommy. Trisha, Angela and Kevin. They are the one that always bothers me.
First, just words They call me son of the slave. They say it smells good me My bag got ugly, it was fake my shoes I can handle it, Mommy. Nope I cry in front of them. But one day, they took my bag and thrown in the trash. When I took it, they laughed at me.And on the day I said I will report to the teacher, I was slapped said Trisha behind Evil.
said he said if I report, even more what he will do to me is painful. Maricel knelt in front of her son. He held both of her hands Jasmine. Son, why didn’t you tell the mine? Because, Mommy, I know it’s hard you are hard at work. I know you work for money every day for us. I don’t want to add more your problem I don’t want you to go home because of mine Because maybe when you go home, it will be gone the money, the job will be lost and you will be forced to leave again.
And that hurts more than a slap. Mom, that’s when Maricel felt the worst pain he ever experienced throughout life. Not because of being slapped his son but because the son chose he will be hurt again and again than be a burden to mom. He hugged Jasmine is strict. Son, you have nothing fault? Nothing. The fault lies with the people who hurt yours and mine because I’m not here when you need me But I’m here now and whatever I will never leave you.
cried Jasmine cried. Like three years that he released pain. All day that’s why they didn’t leave the house. They were just sitting mother and grandmother and talked The next day, she got dressed Maricel. She is wearing the best clothes he brought from abroad. He put a a little tidy hair and prepared those papers Mom, take care of Jasmine.
will go I’m at school. what are you going to do there, son? I will talk to the teacher and the principal and if necessary to those parents of children Maricel, don’t you will fight. I will not fight, mother. But I will not allow it again and again to hurt my son He entered the school. Request an appointment at principal.
Waited an hour at out of the office. Upon entering, he was greeted by Elra Perla Gomez, the principal of Mabuhay Elementary School. Elramos, sit down. I found out that about your child. Sorry if our action was late. Sorry, no I’m here to complain. I’m here to find out what is happened and how we do it can be solved. The principal was surprised by the calm tone said Maricel.
Wash, I’ll admit it to you that we have a shortage. Jasmine is a quiet child. Nope he reports. We did not immediately see those sign. But now, after the report of janitor and some students, we have investigated the case. What? the result? We have talked to them Trisha, Angela and Kevin. Confessed they They admitted that they once did hurting Jasmine, physically and word.
We have called those parents And what is the action of school? Suspension of Ramos. a week and then counseling for them and for Jasmine. Maricel nodded. Ma’am, I want it talk to the parents of the children that. The principal hesitated. Naramos, are you sure? Maybe be the situation is still complicated. I’m not mad, ma’am.
But it’s necessary they hear the effect of what was done by their children so it doesn’t happen again. The principal agreed. A meeting is scheduled the next day. That night before going to sleep, kissed Maricel’s was Jasmine’s. Son, tomorrow you will come to school with me. We will face this together. Mommy, I’m scared.
I know son, but I’m here and you’re never there alone. The next day, the two entered the school holding hands and sa conference room, they waited parents of three children including naughty boy This is the day of truth Not for fighting but for justice And to prove that even always a mother, even far away, even difficult, when a child is needed, he will come Maricel entered and Jasmine in the conference room.
It’s already inside everything. Principal Gomez, Elrea The three families of Santos are advisers naughty children Trisha is sitting on the next to his mother who was sleeping. Angela was crouching next to her father with a serious face. Kevin is doesn’t seem to care. Playing with finger Maricel sat in front of them. Next to him was Jasmine who was still shaking also. “Let’s start the meeting.
” Principal Gomez said. Its purpose is not for exchange hurtful words but to have a resolution and for everyone understands what is happened Trish’s mother spoke. I’m sorry but that’s just a child. Just kidding. Why is it necessary? make it a big issue? look at Maricel to the woman. Calm but firm the voice Maam, my son is slapped His things were thrown away.
They called hurtful words every day. He didn’t come in for three weeks school because he is afraid. He has a bruise in the face and your son said that if he will report, it hurts more will do to him. Is that the one? you call it just fooling around? The woman was silent. I’m not here to fight. It continues Maricel.
I am here for you to understand effect of what your children did and to make sure it’s not will repeat. Angela’s father spoke. Elre Ramos. On behalf of our family, we apologize. We didn’t know until now that’s what’s happening. We have talked Angela and we are sure not anymore he will repeat. Maricel nodded. Kevin’s mother followed. Hello, I’m sorry too.
Sometimes it’s not we observed the children. thought we are okay. But I can see it now with a problem. We will talk Kevin. Maricel turned to Trisha and its mother. It’s still quiet woman Ma’am, Maricel said, I don’t you are forced to apologize. But I hope you can imagine what if the child you are in my son’s position. how if he is hurt every day and no one fought for him? What if he cried at night and he was not there can tell because he is afraid? I hope so think about that.
A long one silence And then Tres the boy spoke bully. Ma’am, I’m sorry. Turned around all to him. I’m sorry Jasmine. He continued to bow down. I didn’t know that pain I thought it was gone we’re just playing I’m really sorry. Trisha’s mother stood up. saw it Maricel changed its face. Lelrera Amus, I’m sorry. I don’t intentionally being defensive.
I was just surprised. But you are right. If my son is in your son’s place, I can’t handle it either. I will talk to Trisha and I will make sure not again it will happen again. Maricel nodded. Nope he laughed. He wasn’t angry either. He ended the meeting with dignity. Leaving the conference room, stopped Jasmine looked at her mother.
Mom, they did not shout. Neither are you shouted Maricel smiled. Son, no we have to shout to be heard. Sometimes the loudest voice is the calm but true one. Those passed day. Jasmine went back to school. The first day was difficult. He is shy. He is afraid. But he always is picked up by Maricel. Every day. Even if it’s hot, even if it’s raining.
Maricel was there at the school gate. Waiting smiling ready to hug the son A month passed. Slowly his confidence returned Jasmine. He started make friends with new classmates. There was a girl named Ella. Quiet like him and them became friends. One night while having dinner, Jasmine spoke.
Mommy, it was earlier Ella and I played at school. Done he asked me if you were broken before. I said, he asked if sad me when you weren’t there I said, too much. But I also said, come back. And that’s it most important. Maricel smiled. What else is said? him, son? He said, I hope so His mommy also came back because it was five He said he has been gone for years.
Not anymore he got home. Maricel kept quiet. He knew how Ella felt. know he is the hardship of separation. And he also knows not all of Berry is able to return. But he is decided He left the job. He left the salary. He left the future to abroad for his son. Son, you know why did I go home? It’s because it’s being ignored me That’s not all.
I went home because I realized that there was nothing all money is worth without me beside you I realized that I could send a shipment every month but I can’t send the hug. I don’t presence can be sent. I can’t send the simple here me when you need Stand up Jasmine and Maricel hugged. Mom, thank you for coming back Thank you too to you, son, for waiting for me.
Passed by the months. Maricel found a job in near cashier in a small store. The salary is low. Far from what he used to be earning But he is happy because every time afternoon with her son. Because every time at night they eat together. Because every time Jasmine has a problem, she is there not on the cellphone screen but on beside him.
One day Lola Nena saw that Maricel and Jasmine are playing in the outside the house, he smiled, “Son, you lost your luxury abroad. But look at my grandson’s mind. I don’t never seen the boy so happy that’s it.” Maricel looked at her son. “Mom, sometimes the biggest sacrifice is not leaving but the return.” because to return is to confess you need your family and need you too.
Time passed, si Jasmine is in grade six, has been consistent honor student, join the speech chore, became confident. And whenever someone asks where the his mother, he happily says, “At home.” waiting for me One night before going to bed, Jasmine kissed her the mother’s cheek. Mommy, do you know when you were always gone? I dreamed that you were coming back.
Done I woke up and you still weren’t there. It hurts that’s it. But now every time I wake up, you are here And that’s the best feeling in the world. He smiled Maricel. Son, I’m here. And evenwhatever happens, you can’t have to be careful. Because the dream you have a mother with you. It’s true. And in a small house in Bulacan, in in the middle of an ordinary night, two hearts the healed not because the disappeared pain but because someone put it on fight for them.
A mother already come back not for money, not for to fight, but for love. And that, that is the story of a my mother who chose the son over the contract. A hug was chosen over sending. already chose home over abroad because true wealth is not in bank, in the home, in the eyes of smiling child, in the words I am here, son, I will not leave you.
And that’s the biggest lesson this story left the distance can be a bridge but the presence is there is no substitute. And when the hurt your son, no job, no money, no dream is more important than for being there. Because you are the mother and you are your child’s first world.
