SteemWomen Club Community Contest #9 / “ Declare Your Love” / Love Multiplies As It Is Shared

My Family

Hello Steem Women's Club and to all beautiful women of steemit. I am @fabio2614, from the Philippines, a mother, and a teacher. I am very thankful for this community for giving me chance to share my story with all.

About my childhood
I've grown up in hard ways, my father is a fisherman my mother is just a housewife. When I was young every time I see a teacher in her uniform it made me dream more to become one. At the age of 11, I was able to pass a scholarship where students will stay in an institution run by Nuns for 4 years.

I was separated from my family that early. I did overcome those nostalgic feelings for 4 years just to finish my high school studies. I admit it was easier said than done. Can you imagine a child without a mother by her side? How did she go through those years? Especially at times when she's not feeling well. Indeed, the emotional struggle was so real!

I sent my younger sister to college
Then, right after I finished high school, I was 15 ... running 16 then, I was fortunate enough to land a sewing job at a Processing Zone here at my place. There was no way to go to college so for me it was a good fortune! People might have thought it was "child labor" considering my age. But I felt very blessed because I badly needed that job. And it was made possible since I was backed by the Nuns.

Still, with my dream in mind, I opted to work to let my younger sister finished her high school studies first and even sent her to college since my parents aren't financially capable to do so. She indeed finished her four years course and become a "draftsman". I was very happy for her!... For real, during her graduation, I can't explain my emotion. To send her to college was not part of my plan, but as I watched her on stage holding her diploma, with a teary-eyed... it was one of my tangible achievements in this lifetime.

Now she is happily married to a loving American man with their kids and resides in the state.

My younger sister with her family in America

At the age of 24, the urge to study never leave me. It seems like a shadow that comes wherever I go. The decision to leave my job to study was a "rocking chair" test. A lot of what "ifs" came to my mind. Everything was not clear. I don't have savings! There was no assurance to finish college. My parents were in their old days and the more they needed me to work. Looking at a distance, it seems my dream will die in this lonely life.

Love Multiplies As It Is Shared
I had worked for 8 long straight years, and am not getting younger at 24. Just when destiny was real! I met a man and shared with him my dreams and frustration in life. As early as 3 months as a lover, he proposed to marry me...luh! Of course, I declined right away... and the reason was no other than "I still need to study." Alas! He made a big decision for me...(maybe he was so fed up with my unending line..."I want to study"... haha) He decided to send me to college just to make my dream come true. I was shocked, confused... yet even with so much doubt, I still chose to believe him.

Our relationship then became a long distance for us. I went to my hometown to study, while he stayed in the City to work ... definitely this time all for me. He decided to share my dream. Ready to face whatever trials ahead just to let me finish college and become a teacher.

A date with my husband

My struggles and my husband's faith in me
In 2009, while I was at the end of my 3rd year, the Company where he was working will send him to Japan for 3 years. Afraid to lose him and no longer young at 27, we decided to get married. This time I didn't say no... everything can happen in 3yrs...plus how could I finish my study if I refused him? Haha! I need to thrive than just survive.

While I maintain my good grade, in my early 4th year, I got pregnant. Shocks! It wasn't planned. That would be 2 months before my husband's schedule to travel to Japan. I was so stressed. With all the worries drowning me... Shall I continue my study? Can I make it when my husband is away? It was sickening me!

Indeed, I was in big trouble. My pregnancy was not healthy. I've got spotting and I was adviced to bed rest. Luh! I felt like I've killed someone in my past life! Why would the Gods punished me when all I want to do is pursue the dream in me? How could I finish my study now?

With all those questions in mind, I was still stubborn about my dream. I can't just stop! Why should I give up when I am already in my last year in college? That's what all in my head, no more no less. Even if many times I quarreled with my husband, he wanted me to stop for a year...for the sake of the baby...Still no! I really felt something in me...whispering in my head "You can make it."

Indeed, I continued my study. Even then, my husband just supports me all along the way. I'm just extra careful and took extra effort in balancing my pregnancy and my study. In every check-up, I just nod at everything the doctor said. I was actually afraid of losing the child, yet I need my faith to work. I firmly believe God's plan is better and greater. I have to overcome those fear.

We made it!
Alas! The big day came, and it was a normal delivery! My child was very healthy and my decision to continue my study works! I did my best to raise my child alone... with my husband away to finance us, watching him at night while studying at day. I can no longer recall how I did that, but I have successfully gone through it all. I finished my study, took the LET exam once, and became a licensed teacher the same year.

With my parents on graduation day

I'm now in my 9th year of teaching. And currently a junior high Math teacher in one of the Public schools in my place. This dream of becoming a teacher won't make come true if not for the one person who believes in me and my talent. Special thanks to my husband. You are God's sent angel for me. Not all people can find someone like you in this life. I am very grateful I have found one... and it's you. I love you so much.

With my grade 8 students

This is my entry for contest #9 initiated by @steemWomen Club

Cheers,
@fabio2614