Last August, my mom's sister and I surprised my mom with an overnight stay in Solea Resort together with the rest of our relatives.
My mom sacrificed and endured a lot of challenges when she was young. She started working at the age of 18 just so she could help her family, especially her young siblings to finish their studies. She was given a huge responsibility at an early age and had to go abroad to make a living.
Everyone knew my mom as a strong, confident, and independent woman. They look up to her and they know that she is someone you can approach when you are in need or when you need someone to talk to.
Not until she faced the biggest challenge in her life. In 2013, she had a Transient Ischemic Stroke or Mild stroke. Then, after 4 years, she had another stroke which led to her hemiparesis (muscle weakness in one side of her body). As time passed, she became weaker and weaker and sadder too. I'm sure anyone in her position would definitely have a hard time accepting the situation. Once a carefree, independent, sociable person is now stuck in the 4 corners of her home.
So as much as possible, we try to encourage our relatives to visit her at home, we organize parties at home too and we try to bring her out to the beach, mountains, or mall.
BEACH
I really like the beach in Solea since it has a wide sandbar and they keep the surroundings as well as the water clean. My mom can walk a short distance with the help of crutches but most of the time she needs a wheelchair. It really helps that I have a lot of male cousins and I am thankful for them because I certainly cannot assist my mom in going up and down her wheelchair by myself.
We came in late in the afternoon so the tide was low and the people went to the pool. Usually, we just let my mom sit on the sand and we massage her arms and legs. The water was so clear and calm.
FOOD
Time for dinner! The menu was mostly Filipino cuisine. We ordered crispy pata, sinigang, bulalo, pancit canton, chopsuey, fried chicken, and shawarma rice. The price and serving were quite average and reasonable considering that it is a hotel. It was not bad at all. I think I only spent around 4,500 (80 USD) to feed 10 adults and 2 kids.
We also asked the waiters if they could help us sing for my mom. They put up a mini show by singing and dancing, had this big sign with her name, and gave a cupcake! I wish my mom to be mentally strong, to not give up, and to continue to find contentment and happiness in her heart.
Here's the family picture! To more memories for my mom. 😊
I am grateful for the people who remember her and try to give back for her kindness and generosity. I hope my mom appreciates and feels the love too.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM CHILL WITH SHANNA
Love you mom 💓 Keep going!
Life can be so overwhelming and we all have our own struggles. Let's be present and enjoy each and every day.
Welcome to Chill with Shanna. Shanna is a life enthusiast and a wanderer. She is easy going, spontaneous and want to challenge herself by testing her limits. She aspires to be an effective storyteller and content creator. She is in pursuit of fulfilling her purpose, living a good life and ticking adventures off her bucketlist.
She is a Speech-Language Pathologist and AXA Financial Advisor by profession.
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