Visiting Aye, The Kind Elder Who Helped My Mother Give Birth When I was Born: A Journey of Love and Gratitude

Yesterday was a meaningful day for me and my daughter. We visited Aye, a respected elder in the Tiboli Community in our hometown, who holds a very special place in my life. She was the woman who helped my mother deliver me when I was born. Back then, especially in the mountains, hospital and birthing homes were not common. Instead, women like her guided mothers through childbirth.

Recently, I learned from her grandchild that she was not feeling well. That news touched me deeply, so I decided to visit her. More than the medicine and rice and groceries we brought, I wanted to give her my time and let her knows she is remembered and loved.

We left home around 4:00 am and traveled for three hours to reach their mountain community. Aye and her family are part of the Tiboli tribe, one of the Lumad group in the Philippines, we called her ‘AYE’ as term of a grandmother to them. I grew up in this area, so returning there always feels like going back to my roots.

When we arrived, Aye’s joy was very clear. She hugged me and said she missed me so much, Moments like that remind me how important it is to value our elders. I believe that when we honor them, blessings also come to us in return.

Right away, her family heated water so we could share coffee together. We brought bread to pair with it, and because the weather was cool, that simple coffee become a heartwarming moment.

My daughter quickly noticed their pet monkey and happily shared some bread with it. She has always loved animals, so seeing her connect with their pet made the visit even more cheerful.

I also observed their kitchen. It was very simple, with only the basics for cooking and storing food. I hope that on my next visit, I can bring container for water, storage and dishwashing to help them in their daily needs.

Aye also lives a life of sacrifice. Even when we give her allowance, she prefers to spend it on her grandchildren who are studying rather than buying for herself. Her love and selflessness are truly inspiring.

Before we went home, her family gave us chicken and a duck as their way of saying thank you. Though they don’t have much, they give wholeheartedly. The visit may be been short, but it filled with joy. I hope to come back next month, bringing not just gifts more time to share stories and laughter with aye.
This is my owned picture, edited in Canva.

Thank you for reading my story. May this inspire us all to value our elders, appreciate life’s simple joys and give love in even the smallest ways. In the end, these little acts of kindness make life more meaningful. ❤️