A Mother’s Journey

One of the medical cases in the 6th episode aired last April 27, 2025 of Resident Playbook (an on-going Korean medical drama) streaming in Netflix, a first time expectant mother found herself giving birth one week ahead of her supposed schedule.

A day after giving birth, while the mother is resting in her room, the resident expert obstetrician in the person of Prof. Seo and her colleagues visited the mother. The patient who still worries about her premature baby, anxiously throws a lot of question to Prof. Seo. The professor assured the new mother that although her new born baby was born ahead of schedule, she is very healthy and well. The mothers reply to Prof Seo was that since her baby is well can she now be at peace and would not be worrying in the coming days about the future of her baby. Prof. Seo said “No, that is not the case”, her reply shocked her colleagues and the mother.

She then proceeded to share to the mother that even Prof. Seo’s own aged mother still worries about her, asking whether she has eaten her meals and even tirelessly reminds her not to drive at night. Dr. Seo also shared that as a mother of a teenager who complained of an aching knee worries her but found herself happy after seeing her daughter riding her bicycle the following day. She explained to the new mom that the birth of her baby though healthy, a mothers concern doesn’t end there. It is only just the beginning, for worrying is part of the journey of motherhood, Prof Seo said.

Indeed, the above Kdrama episode reminded me that it’s ok to worry about the welfare of our children whether they are infants, teenagers and even if they are adults already. As a mother of two young adults in their 20s and now living independently, I can’t help worrying about them. Have you eaten? Don’t skip your meals. Did you take your vitamins? How was work? Don’t stay too late outside. These are just some of the questions and reminders I anxiously and repeatedly ask my children. I’m a mother and I can’t help it. I’m just happy that they understand me although sometimes I know it sounds annoying.

One more thing, our role as mother ideally shifts from being a controller when the kids are infants till middle school aged, and then a coach from high school to college and finally as a consultant when they are already working and married. I got that in one of the homilies of Fr. Jerry Orbos. He said that when our children are young we control their lives, from the way they act and behave. When they grow up as teenagers, we then become their coach, who are in the sideline but helping them develop their mindset, confidence, and discipline. We motivate them to push their limits and achieve their goals.

But when they are already adults we become as consultants, waiting for them to approach us with their queries and even problems. We become a listening ear and answer them readily when our opinions are being sought for. That’s when we extend our support and guidance in their undertakings. Hopefully, we can follow that but we can make adjustments as we go along in this motherhood voyage.

It’s not easy being a mother, but with prayer and help from family and friends it becomes easier. Sometimes its a bit overwhelming. It’s okay to cry, pause and then continue the journey as advised by a close friend.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of motherhood. We pray for all mothers that they be given the wisdom to guide and protect their children. May they be a safe haven when needed be. Give them courage and strength to face whatever difficulties they encounter. May they make Mama Mary as their model, meek and obedient to the role you asked of them. This we pray, in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” – Isaiah 66:13

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there!!!