Reading is Succeeding

I fondly remember that I made a poem entitled Reading is Succeeding way back in grade school. This was the time when I was thinking of what I wanted to be when I grow up. I did suggest to myself that I can become a writer, but fast forward to today, I am a Statistics major.

Though Lumbay ng Dila and Please Look After Mom are two very different novels, there are unique parts in which I can relate to.

The former can definitely pass as a Filipino teen flick novel. The latter, on the other hand, had a more serious setting.

Lumbay ng Dila ni Genevieve L. Asenjo

Lumbay ng Dila was able to help me in realizing that I am actually capable of doing anything and that at the end I can be such an empowered woman. In addition, the modern feel of the novel made it so relatable. It was truly awesome to discover these types of Filipino books because not only can they tap on your being a Filipino but they make you even prouder.

"Most of the time, gusto nating malaman kung ano nga ba ang nangyari, ano nga ba ang totoo, only to be disappointed. Hanggang mag-give up tayo sa tao who always happens to be a loved one."

This profound statement by Stephen not only made Sadyah think hard but also moved me to reconsider my relationship with my loved ones. Personally, in our family, it has not always been a secret-free environment. As I grew up, I eventually uncovered things that were made secret to me. An example is my mom's sickness. I never knew anything about it until it was really obvious already. At the end of it all, I understood that the truth might have been kept hidden only to protect myself and my feelings.

Please Look After Mom by Kyung- Sook Shin

On the other hand, while Lumbay ng Dila had a lighter feel, Please Look After Mom definitely had a constant serious tone. It moved me not only to be reminded of my mom, but also take care after my Dad and the rest of the family. It still amazes me how books like these make me assess myself regarding the conflicts presented in the book. Ultimately, my resolutions after reading this book is to spend more time with my Papa and to always value family.

"How could you only do what you like? There are things you have to do whether you like it or not. If you only do what you like, who's going to do what you don't like?"

This response of Mom made me think of how selfless mothers actually are. They may not like working in the kitchen; but, in the name of family, they will eventually love it. My Mama is actually a great example of this. She told me on how her first few months of being a mom was. She was working and upon reaching home, she had to check up on the kitchen and prepare hearty meals for the rest of the family. Though it was already tiring, she had to do it whether she liked it or not. For all the small things that eventually led to the big ones, I thank you, Mama, for being the best!

I may not have chosen to be a writer, but one thing's for sure. I still see how reading is indeed succeeding thus I vow never to stop enjoying this and living in this moment.