My Mom Rocks (by Emily Dy)

The principle of Human Dignity is that it is intrinsic, inviolable and inalienable. A lot of big words, right? And yet the first time I read them in the World Youth Alliance brochure, I knew exactly what they meant in real world terms. And all this just from the childhood my mother chose to give me. Really!

I will admit that growing up, I was the naughty little girl. And yet, my mom has always loved me despite the many squabbles, tantrums and personal mistakes. Everynight she would tuck me in, and everyday she would wake me up, ask me if I was hungry, check if I had everything I needed… no matter how rotten I was (as little girls can get! especially an “only girl” and “daddy’s girl”) the day before. Yes, your dignity as a person is built in, it can never be taken away - even if you chose not to be naughty or made some boo-boos. And who else can show you that, as in REALLY show you that, other than a mother who chooses to love you, everyday, no matter what?

And this love was not just limited to me. I never recalled a time in my childhood, or even until now, when my mother was not involved in a sort of charitable cause or ministry. If she was not out giving free dental check ups at old folk’s homes and orphanages, she was teaching at poor parishes or even DSWD halfway homes for abused women. It was like she had a built in understanding that every person had human dignity, and thus deserved to live in a dignified way (without even going through WYA’s certified training program! heheh).

So one project at a time, she sought out those who have forgotten the fact that they were still dignified beings, and worked to help them regain this sense of self-worth, and helped them get ready to move on to a better life. She started at home with me and my siblings, then shared the same love with all our household helpers, and then eventually with the rest of the community.

My mom rocks not only because she’s helped so many people, but most especially because those that she helps are eventually inspired to start doing good, too.