A Salute to Parents

The month of March is a busy month for schools as classes come to an end. Final exams, then recognition days and graduation days are significant activities of this month. But the most memorable event is the graduation day may it be for kinder, elementary, high school, and college.

During graduation ceremony, there is a part of the program where parents are given a tribute. Parents are honored on their efforts for sending their children to school. It is just fitting to pay tribute to parents on the sacrifices they’ve done for the sake of providing education for their children.

There are parents who work day and night just to send their children to school. Others are single parents whose dual roles make it hard for them to perform their duty as provider of the family and as a parent. The hardships encountered by said parents should not be ignored by children. Hence, they should be proud and grateful to their parents.

Giving thanks to parents should be done not only during graduation day. Children must exert efforts in showing gratefulness by loving and respecting their parent everyday of their lives. May children remember what the Holy Scripture says about honoring parents in Exodus 20:12 “Respect your father and mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you.”

When my two kids (both are in high school now, the eldest is in grade 11 and the youngest is in grade 9) graduated from elementary, I was already a widow. As a single parent I was thankful to God and to my immediate family for helping me in providing for the needs of my children. I was also proud with the accomplishment of my children for both of them were honor students. My late husband who was a teacher played a significant role in emphasizing the importance of studying in our children’s lives. Thus, during the portion of giving tribute to parents in their graduation day, my children and I remembered how my husband became their first teacher and a good provider to our family.

On the other hand, I can’t help but recall my own graduation in college, twenty plus years ago. It was a great moment, I was accompanied by my mother who is a single parent (my parents are separated). Though I was a working student, my mother provides for my allowance and other school needs. During the tribute to parents, words were not enough on how grateful I am to my mother. A hug and a kiss was all I gave to her that time. Until now, I am so thankful to my mother, I don’t know what could have happen to me without my mother’s care and provision.

To my late husband, my mother and to all parents of graduating students you are worthy of adulation. With that, we salute you! (Bing Orbeta-Robles)