Winners Don't Quit: A Mother's Unwavering Love

Just like most proverbs the world over, most of us have probably heard all Philippine proverbs throughout our childhood—usually in the form of scolding or warnings from our parents. Most have been handed down from generation to generation and contain sayings that prescribe norms, impart a lesson, or simply reflect standard norms, traditions, and beliefs in our community. I am sharing two of my favorite words of wisdom, proverbs of the Filipinos that I love most, or at least the ones I'm most familiar with, and what they've come to mean to me.

- Ang umaayaw ay di nagwawagi, ang nagwawagi ay di umaayaw.

(A quitter never wins; a winner never quits).

I am not the type of person who gives up easily in the face of life's challenges, I AM NOT A QUITTER! I find ways to fix everything and ask for guidance from our Lord God to overcome everything.

I was already 37 years old when I gave birth to my youngest son. His life was full of challenges - he was born premature and was fighting for his life during the first few weeks when he was diagnosed with sepsis, which is a serious infection.

When CJ turned 3 years old, his pediatrician recommended that I talk with a specialist on child development and start physical and occupational therapy for him. Following her suggestion, CJ and I began the very taxing, yet fulfilling, process of therapy.

The Child Development Specialist told me that he has cerebral palsy. The reason why he could not crawl when he was old enough to crawl, and could not walk or talk. Though he understood when you spoke to him.

When he turned 5 years old, he was diagnosed to have epilepsy as he was experiencing seizures, and when he was a teenager, he developed scoliosis.


Honestly, at first, I was devastated, and I did not know how to treat him because at that time, my life was going through a lot of setbacks.

We were in and out of the hospital. My life revolves around my youngest son because of his illness. I never even think of giving up. By the grace of God, I have friends who helped me to meet both ends besides my family and relatives.

God is good. A long-time friend introduced me to a person who sponsored the medicines and other medical requirements of my son, CJ. His doctor also became my partner whom I always relied on whenever I took my son to the hospital. My difficult situation with my son in the struggle of life has eased. Even though he was seriously ill, because of the people who sincerely inspired and supported me and my son, we made it through.

As an old proverb goes:

NO GUTS, NO GLORY (Walang lakas ng loob, walang kaluwalhatian)

• It means that you must exercise courage and take on some risk in order to succeed. You must give all of yourself without reservation in accomplishing a task, no matter what difficulties or risks stand in the way.
  
  
  It's just sad that my son gave up. He joined our Creator 2 years ago. Maybe because he was painfully struggling with his illness. I know that all of this is God's plan and I am in no position to question it.
  
  

That's it for now guys! I hope you enjoyed reading my story behind my favorite proverbs.

How about you fellow Hivers? What are your favorite idioms, proverbs or sayings. Let's hear it from you, guys.

Thank you @justinparke for initiating this week's challenge: "ASEAN Hive Community Challenge #173 🗣️ ASEAN Expressions", and to you fellow #Hivers for fetching around my blog and checking out the post. Catch you on my next blog.

Namaste,
@diosarich 🌷🕊️

Lead photo edited using Canva

All Glory and Honor to God

Diosarich

_{A feisty artist, editor, and writer who balances her time penning poetry, soul-stirring content, and flash fiction, sketching, and designing by using fresh blossoms, needlework, gardening, baking, and caring for her partially impaired vision Mom after her intellectually and physically challenged son passed away. She explores unexpected views that ignite her zest for life.}