A Beautiful Body

The orderly was apparently in a hurry. 

She couldn't wait for us to pay attention before she rattled off her instructions on how to wear the hospital's gowns. 

My 74 year-old mother was trying hard to remove her ring as the orderly had instructed when the orderly gave a short "demonstration" on how to put on the gowns. It didn't help at all that the orderly was speaking in English, an alien language to Mama. I should have listened carefully but I was busy keeping her valuables. 

The orderly should take a leaf from the airline stewardesses who would come onto the mini TV screens and demonstrate life jacket procedures before take-off. She could learn to smile like them too.

Since we were such poor students, we had to figure out ourselves how to wear the two pieces of robes, one maroon and one white. Mama was in the hospital for a minor day surgery and I was on chaperon duty. I obviously would have failed as a fashion stylist, for after two tries, we finally called a nurse for help. Thank God, we had a nice nurse, one with a smile more sincere than many air stewardesses I've seen.

Yet, I am thankful to the orderly, because of her, I'd a peek of Mama's body. Her fair skin has pretty much all sagged and at some parts, there are folds despite her rather petite frame. She has shrunk, I remembered her as taller. Standing on my two-inch heels, it appeared as if I am the one in control of things while Mama retires in her twilight years.

Truth is, my Mama has never ceased her maternal duties to any of her four children. I wish my Mama can have an easy life or at least a life much easier than what she has now. Life is forever throwing her lemons.

To say her life is fraught with challenges and difficulties is an understatement. Her gentle demeanor and cheerful disposition belie the torments and cruelties that she had faced and still faces. She battles each day with optimism and love. A close friend whom I've once confided in, was so shocked by the misfortunes that came her way and yet amazed at how well she had survived. He marveled, "Your mother is a living saint!"

Yes, she is. She is not a Christian, but she is the perfect embodiment of Christian love. I've never known another person who is so self-sacrificing even at this advanced age. Her heart doesn't seem to know hatred and resentment, for despite all the sufferings, it not only didn't harden, but even has room for love and compassion. Mama not only forgives the people who do her wrong, she even continues to sacrifice for them and care for them.

So, if it is not God, since she does not know Him, what is it then that keeps her going?

She told me the answer a few days ago, it is the love for her children that keeps her going and even at this ripe old age of 74, all that matters to her is her children. 

At forty years of age, I'm still my Mama's girl and I always will be. 

The day surgery left five stitches on Mama's arm. 
What had the hardships, hurts and pains left on her heart?
I came from this woman, the most beautiful woman on earth. 
As long as I live, she will always be the most beautiful woman to me.