Hello, Hive Family! This is my fourth blog post, and today I’m sharing something deeply personal. It’s about my mother’s 60th birthday, her first as a senior citizen, and heartbreakingly, her first without my father. I wasn’t physically there to celebrate with her, but love found a way. Despite financial struggles and emotional weight, I managed to pull off a surprise that lit up her day. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Today, October 25, marks a very special day—my mother’s 60th birthday; a milestone that deserves joy, laughter, and celebration. But this year, it came with a heavy heart and a complicated backdrop. I wasn’t with her. I wasn’t with my siblings either. I’m a bit far from them, still within the Philippines, but distance isn’t just measured in kilometers; it’s also felt in the weight of longing and the ache of absence.
The Weight of Responsibility
Life has been tough lately. I’ve been carrying the weight of being the sole breadwinner in our family. After resigning from my BPO job of nearly 13 years, a decision I made for reasons I still wrestle with, life threw me into a whirlwind. My father fell ill, and I shouldered most of the expenses from his hospitalization to his burial. It was a painful chapter, and I’m still trying to recover emotionally and financially. Actually, I have already shared this personal struggle in my introduction post.
Anyway, going back, when I realized my mother’s birthday was approaching, I felt a pang of guilt. I had to tell her, early this month, that I might not be able to contribute anything for her birthday celebration. I had just paid my bills, bought groceries for myself and for my fur baby, and my wallet was echoing emptiness. I called her and apologized. She said it was okay. But deep inside, I knew it wasn’t.
Sleepless Nights and a Heavy Heart
I couldn’t sleep for several nights. The thought of my mother spending her 60th birthday, her first as a senior citizen, and her first without my father, without even a simple celebration haunted me. She’s been through so much. She deserved more than just a phone call and a “Happy Birthday.”
So, I started thinking: maybe I could still make something happen.
A Desperate Attempt
I remembered the people who had borrowed money from me over the years. I never really bothered them for repayment. But this time, I reached out. I explained my situation, hoping they’d understand. I wasn’t asking for much, just enough to buy food and maybe a small surprise for my mom.
But disappointment came knocking. One by one, they gave me reasons why they couldn’t pay me back yet. I tried to understand, but it hurt. I felt helpless. I was running out of options.
A Ray of Hope
Then I thought of my closest friend and my closest cousin. I hesitated at first. I don’t like asking for help. But I swallowed my pride and reached out. And they didn’t disappoint me. They lent me just enough to bring my plan to life.
With a grateful heart, I arranged for a food delivery, mixed dishes, local delicacies, drinks and a budget-friendly money bouquet. I coordinated everything from afar, praying it would all go smoothly.
The Surprise
This morning, I messaged my sister to ask how our mom was doing. She said Mama looked sad. She really believed there would be no celebration. That broke my heart even more.
But just before lunch, the deliveries arrived.
My mother was shocked, completely surprised. The photos sent to me by the delivery services captured her reaction—eyes wide, mouth open in disbelief, and then a smile that could melt the heaviest of clouds. That smile made everything worth it.
My siblings, nephews, and nieces gathered around her. They shared the food, laughed, and took photos. It wasn’t a grand party, but it was filled with love. And that’s what matters most.
A Call That Ended in Tears
Later in the day, my mother called me. Her voice was filled with emotion. She thanked me over and over again. I could hear the joy in her tone, and I could feel the tears she was trying to hold back. I cried, too, not just because I was happy, but because I wished I could’ve been there in person. I wished I could’ve hugged her.
But even from afar, I was able to make her feel loved. And that, to me, is a victory.
Reflections
This experience reminded me of a few things:
• Love finds a way. Even when money is tight and circumstances are tough, love pushes us to do the impossible.
• Asking for help is okay. Sometimes, the people we least expect will be the ones to lift us up.
• Celebrations don’t have to be extravagant. A simple gesture, when done with love, can mean the world to someone.
• Mothers are treasures. They deserve to be celebrated, not just on birthdays, but every day.
Gratitude
To my friend and cousin who lent me the money, THANK YOU! You didn’t just help me financially. You helped me give my mother a memory she’ll cherish forever.
To my siblings who made the celebration warm and joyful—thank you for being there.
To my mother—thank you for your strength, your love, and your understanding. Happy 60th birthday, Mama. I love you more than words can say.
Thanks for reading, Hive friends! Life isn’t always easy, but moments like these remind me why we keep going. If you’ve ever had to celebrate a loved one from afar, or if you’ve pulled off a surprise against the odds, I’d love to hear your story, too. Let’s keep sharing, connecting, and lifting each other up, one post at a time.
Until next time, stay kind and keep loving.
NOTE: All the photos in this post are shared to me by the two delivery services staff, originally captured using their mobile phones, I have just enhanced using the user-friendly CollageArt.