My Life's Journey

I have always been a good and obedient daughter. I listened to my parents and followed everything they said. I tried my best not to disappoint them. I always wanted to make them proud. I studied hard. I was a consistent honor student. I finished fifth of my high school class out of 300+ graduates. I got accepted into an honors course in college and earned a degree from a prestigious university in the Philippines. 

I was ready to soar. My plan was all set — get work experience for 2-3 years, take my MBA in the US, get married at the age of 28, take the lead in the family business, serve the Filipino people and establish a foundation. Life was going smoothly for me and my family. I was enjoying work while leading a civic youth organization. My parents and Kuya (elder brother) were busy with our business. Dad was making a comeback in public service. 

However, fate took a sharp turn and led me to a different path. I was 23 when my Dad was assassinated. I lost the first man I loved, my idol, my anchor, my mentor. I lost a wing and descended to the ground — my life stopped, my dreams shattered. I had to pick up the pieces and start all over again. 

As I continued my journey, somehow I lost myself. I was preoccupied taking on several tasks and roles that I forgot about “me”. For many years, I questioned why everything had to happen. I have not found the reason yet, but I rediscovered my purpose. Only then I became whole again but still with a missing piece.

For many years, my life was going smoothly. I got married and built a family. We welcomed our first-born in 2018, a bouncing baby boy. My husband and I had big dreams for him. Then, in 2021, my life deflected one more time; my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a life-long and untreatable condition. While the diagnosis broke our hearts, acceptance was easy because we expected it, and we know that God must have a reason. By God's grace, we were blessed with a neuro-typical beautiful girl in the same year. God certainly moves in mysterious ways! My priorities, my life changed significantly. The welfare of my children, especially that of my ausome son, became a top priority. I laid low from most of my activities and dedicated my time in raising my children and taking care of my family. I, together with my entire family, am now an advocate for autism.

The path I lead today is not what I planned, but this is my fate and I accept it wholeheartedly. Now, I am living the life that I love and loving the life that I live ... a happy life with my family. My life's journey is still bumpy and sometimes erratic, but because of the support of my family, I remain positive, strong and resilient.