Love from miles away

Enrico del Rosario with mom, Beth, and brother, Justin. (Contributed Photo)

Whether apart by merely a mile to thousands of miles away, the connection between a mother and child will always be strong and indivisible. But appreciating mom on Mother’s Day is never not on their list. Saipan Tribune talks to Saipan born and raised individuals who are currently off island for school or work and starting to build on their future.

Tania Tan, who graduated from Saipan International School in 2019 and is now based in New York where she is pursuing a degree at Fordham University, goes home whenever her schedule allows. She likes to think that her mom, Lydia, is also her best friend and that bond is undeniable. When you see them together, one cannot tell that they are a mother-daughter team.

“Last time I was with mom was a few months ago. When apart, we keep in touch through weekly FaceTime calls and daily text messages. She’s basically my best friend and is really good at cooking, so I miss her food (laughs). My favorite thing is going running or biking with her because we like a lot of the same things so we can do those things together,” she said.

According to Tan, one life lesson that she will carry all her life is her mother’s strength. “She never gives up and perseveres even through tough times. She’s also good in doing things with confidence, which I lack. …I miss and love her so much. I can’t wait to see you mom and Happy Mother’s Day!”

Mt. Carmel School graduate Enrico Del Rosario, who was a dominant football player during high school, represented the CNMI in various tournaments abroad and the first CNMI-born soccer player to play at the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association. He continues to pursue his passion for football as he steps up to the plate to be the new team captain of the NMI Men’s National Team. He lives in Northern Kentucky, recently earned his bachelor’s degree this year from Northern Kentucky University and, according to him, his mother, Beth, always taught him to work hard and persevere.

Tania Tan with her mom, Lydia. (Contributed Photo)

“I’ve been away for about five years on and off but I keep in touch by messaging them online and by video chatting. I really don’t like being away from my mom. Personally I did not have separation anxiety but I definitely miss her. My advice is to just talk to your mom as much as you can and call her when you have time,” he said. “Something very important I learned from my mom was to always work hard and do my best in everything that I do. This is memorable for me because it has helped me with different things in life such as sports, my studies, and in my job.”

Enrico and Beth enjoy deep conversations shared with each other. “Just spending time with her is always nice. …My favorite thing to do with my mom is to just sit down and talk about different things. I love it when she shares her wisdom in life, especially when she was growing up because it is inspiring,” he said. “I thank her for everything that she has done for me and my brother. Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me no matter what. Because of you, I have the vision to reach for my dreams and the grit to push through the challenges that are in my way. I love you, I will forever appreciate you!”

Born and raised on Saipan, Asia Camacho Hilario is currently in Silicon Valley, California. She is making waves and gaining popularity as a self-love coach, focuses on women empowerment, is a mental health and wellness podcaster (The Glow Up Season Podcast), philanthropist and crisis counselor for Crisis Textline Lucille, which named after her mother.

“My mom always taught me to give back to my community, no matter what you have and what point in life you are. We have to pay it forward and help those in need, whether it be volunteering, educating, raising awareness, fundraising, anything to give back to the less fortunate. I remember when I was a little girl, I tagged along with her everywhere she went and when she did things for her community,” she said.

Asia Hilario with her mother, Lucille. (Contributed Photo)

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve only seen my parents once in the last year. I normally see them maybe two to four times a year but we keep in touch via Group Chat and Group FaceTime. My top love languages are physical touch and quality time, so not being able to hug my mom and hang out with her is tough,” she added.

One thing that Hilario shares with her mom is a loves of dance. “I always film her dancing and everyone on my Instagram and Facebook always laugh. We love to make people laugh and I definitely get my sense of humor from her. …To keep the connection, the advice I can give to mothers and daughters who are separated is to never underestimate the power of a simple phone call or FaceTime. Schedule those often and even add them to your calendar.

“Mom, thank you so much for instilling hard work and passion in me. You always taught me that beauty is on the inside and my big heart is a reflection of yours. I’m changing the world every day because of it. Love and miss you, Queen!”