A Mom and More

Forty  years ago, around this time, when my youngest sister Arlene was about 4 years old –  she had very high fever, stomach pains and vomiting, felt generally ill,  and experienced pain in her legs which caused her to limp.  After lab tests, our doctor-uncle confirmed polio (infantile paralysis) and asked that my other sister and I get out of contact with Arlene for the next 2 weeks  to prevent contamination.  Though we resisted being sent to our paternal grandmother temporarily as we were never accustomed to sleeping in other’s home, we were forced by circumstances and we had to obey our parents.

As we left home, my mom reminded us to pray for  Arlene to  get well soon so that we could go back home.  We were not told that she had polio though. While all by herself at home, Arlene found a new playmate  – a 6-inch porcelain statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague which was in our home’s altar.  She talked with the statue as if it were alive.  And, mom heard her saying: “ sana pagalingin mo na ako agad para makapaglaro na ulit ako tulad ng ibang bata” (I hope you can make me well so that I can play as the other children do, very soon). 

On February 2, 1967, God gave us a miracle – Arlene walked without her limp to the surprise of her doctor.  She underwent a series of medical tests and was found absolutely cleared of the virus.  We were called back home and only then did we learn about her polio case and miraculous recovery.   With her childish simplicity in asking for healing, and full trust and confidence in her Godly playmate, her prayers were answered.  God must have destined Arlene to be up and about (not limping with a disability) to be everyone’s kind, loving and benevolent godmother – sharing as much as she has with her loved ones and also  with her lowly workers, lonely friends, the sick, the needy and even tribes from far-flung Palawan  (who are just beginning to know Christ).  While she has not been blessed with a child of her own, she has a lot of children receiving her care, understanding and benevolence – as a true godmother creates magic and makes everyday miracles happen by being around when she is needed most.

I didn’t’ just remember Arlene’s story and the miracle of the Divine child to another child when I heard the homily about the feast of the Sto. Nino this morning,   As a mom trying to do all, please all, and be all  – I have also been reminded to regress, to relearn,  and to be as a child again.  I have to practice surrendering all things to God’s will than endlessly plan and work to death to realize my life purpose and dreams.  I wish I could be a childlike mom.