Dorsia and Julius Cruz
As I sit down to write this essay, I can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary woman who has shaped my life in more ways than I can count: my mom. My name is Julius Isaac P. Cruz, and I’m from the island of Tinian. At thirteen years old, I’m navigating the halls of Tinian Middle & High School, trying to make sense of the world around me.
Life hasn’t been easy lately. In March of this year, we lost Dad to his valiant battle against cancer. The pain of his absence still lingers in our hearts, like an unwelcome guest refusing to leave. Mom, once the epitome of strength and resilience, was shattered into a million pieces by the weight of her grief. Depression clung to her like a shadow, threatening to engulf her completely.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there shines a beacon of unwavering love and determination: my mom. Despite her own overwhelming sorrow, she remains a pillar of strength for my siblings and me. Her smile, though tinged with sadness, lights up our home like the morning sun breaking through the clouds.
Mom is more than just a single widowed parent; she’s a superhero disguised as an ordinary woman. From sunrise to sunset, she tirelessly tends to our needs, never once allowing her own pain to overshadow her love for us. Whether it’s cooking our favorite meals, helping with homework, or simply listening to our endless chatter, Mom does it all with grace and unwavering devotion.
But beneath the facade of strength lies a heart weighed down by grief. I’ve seen the tears she sheds when she thinks no one is watching, the moments of silent agony she endures when she thinks we’re asleep. Yet, she never lets her pain show, always putting on a brave face for our sake.
Mom’s love knows no bounds. It’s the comforting embrace that soothes our troubled souls, the gentle words of encouragement that lift our spirits. It’s the sacrifices she makes without hesitation, the countless sleepless nights spent worrying about our future. Mom’s love is the anchor that keeps our family together in the midst of life’s storms.
As Mother’s Day approaches, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the woman who has given her all for us. Mom may not wear a cape or possess superhuman powers, but to me, she’s the greatest hero of them all. So here’s to you, Mom, the embodiment of love, strength, and resilience. Thank you for being our guiding light in the darkest of times. Happy Mother’s Day!