Being a mom is life changing

Being a mother completely changes your life and always for the better as you will adore every single minute of it. There is no overload of kisses, tight hugs, sweet gestures, or even woes and cries because the love between mother and child is unconditional and will surpass any circumstance or challenge. We talked to four amazing mothers that does just that.

Doemiko Flores, a behavior analyst who specializes in therapy for children with autism and had just moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Saipan with her husband, Albert, and their three children, was faced with an different kind of challenge last year when her husband was unexpectedly deployed for an entire year for military duty in Afghanistan. Raising small children—Miriam, 5, Thomas, 4, and Scarlett, 2—on her own during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had its own set of challenges but Flores made it work. She also never fails to see the special moments in their every day life.

“The thing I love the most about being a mother, besides the hugs that wrap around my neck so tight and squishy kisses, is watching my children experience amazing things for the first time. To see their excitement at something that might be so mundane to me since I am used to it brings a renewed excitement for me,” she said.

Docomo Pacific executive Michelle Atalig keeps the right balance with her family life, career and sport, cycling. She recognizes the influence that she got from her own mom: “The greatest gift you can give your children is your presence and hold dearly the memories that come with it.”

“The thing I love most about being a mom is experiencing unconditional love like no other. I feel this sense of purpose and responsibility to give my children safety, love, security, and support their growth and health in every way possible. While I feel so blessed to be a mommy to Aiden and Penelope, I thank my husband, Charlie, for being my partner in this journey of parenthood. My children remind me to stay present, to see things from a different perspective and to appreciate life’s little moments,” she said.

Olivia Fernandez, housewife and mother to Fiona, 13, and Freja, 7, admits that she had a reputation in high school and college that she never liked being around children, leading her closest friends to think that she will probably not get married and have children.

“Yes, I used to find them so annoying and thought we might compete getting my husband’s attention. I was immature like that and that has passed. As soon as my first daughter was born, I fell in love with her right away,” she said. “Your children will complete you. You will become selfless and, yes, a mother’s instinct is very real. I gave up my job so I can focus on my girls as they give me so much joy. Now I think my children are the ones competing with my husband for my attention (laughs) but he’s fine with it.”

Lani Meyer, a professional photographer and fashion stylist from Austin, Texas, is a mom of two boys—a 26-month-old and an almost 6 month-old. She treats every day as a surprise rearing her boys.

“Being a mom is incredibly challenging and there are so many tears and frustrations but it’s also very fulfilling with lots of joys and laughter. It’s fun to see my child, who’s half me and half the person I love, grow into a tiny human being with his own personality and opinions. Every day is a treat as I have no idea what I’m getting for the day! One of the best things is having a role in shaping them and I am reminded of the verse in Proverbs 22:6, which says ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it,’” she said. “It’s amazing but also scary to be part of that process, to have the opportunity to help them grow one day into strong, kind and godly men—what a contribution it would be! That’s more long term, but for now, the best thing about being a mom would be the hugs, kisses, and snuggles and them thinking you’re the coolest and funniest person they know.”

Real estate executive Tina Zamora, a mother of three girls, loves being a mom and part of it is taking in every moment with her children. “I don’t want to miss a thing. …On my days off and when I come home after being consumed at work, these are the moments that I cannot wait to hug and kiss my children. I actually think it is not fair for them that I depend on them for strength,” she said, laughing. “But I love it the most when I spend time with them, may it be playtime, Netflix or chill time, church time, school time, park time and when I feed and give them a bath. I love watching them grow and taking care of them. It is a bliss being able to witness happy and sad times and experiencing all of that with them.”