Almost Always, Goodbyes Breaks A Mother's Heart

Hello dear Hivers of the @motherhood community. I hope you;re all doing well.

Back in 2023, we spent a few days in my husband’s hometown, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. Every time we go, it’s always a time filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of love you only find in a home where family ties are strong. But as sweet as our stay was, the hardest part has always been the goodbye.

During our visit, my daughter enjoyed playing in the sapa with her titas, her laughter echoing in the air as they splash water at each other.

She also visited the day care center where her lola teaches, and I snapped a photo of a delicate pink flower blooming there.

We even went on a hike to a relative’s house, slipping through a steep path, but rewarded with fresh coconuts and “lamaw” — that sweet, creamy mix of coconut meat, juice, and condensed milk. My husband’s uncle cooked native chicken tinola for lunch, while the men later shared some laughter over tuba. It was a simple but joyful feast.

But what stays with me most is not the food or the laughter, but the moment we had to leave. As we packed our things and prepared to head back to the city, we reminisced, took photos, and laughed one last time.

Then came the words from the elders. I can still see the sadness in his lola’s eyes as she gave her message to her apo. There was a quiet plea in her voice, a longing no words could hide the longing of a grandmother who knows time is not forever.

Most especially, I will never forget the tears of my mother-in-law. She has only one son, and the way she held on to him that day spoke volumes of a mother’s love. My husband is truly a mama’s boy, not only close to his mother, but also to his titas whom he calls “mama.” They practically raised him together, and that bond is unshakable. For them, he is not just a son or a nephew, but a part of their hearts.

As a mother myself, I felt their pain. I cannot even imagine the day when I too will have to let go of my own son once he has his own family and must leave to be with his wife. Even the first time I went back to work after my maternity leave gave me a little separation anxiety in leaving him at home broke my heart. That’s why I understand deeply the longing of mothers when their sons go away.

Goodbyes will always be the hardest, but they remind us of the depth of love that binds us. And that love is worth every journey home. I hope you enjoyed reading my post for today! Kepp safe!

The lead photo is edite in Canva and all the words used are mine.