via Rovelyn L. Lasam, Pressroom PH
In order to become a good masterpiece, we need hands—gentle, firm, and enduring hands—to mold us into a beautiful work of art.
"Ilaw at haligi ng tahanan"—a Filipino term describing the role of parents in the family. Yet in reality, they’re not always complete. Sometimes, it feels like a house built with a weak foundation, like a piece of art left dull and unfinished—without the vibrant designs that reflect beautiful patterns. Much like the life of a single parent, who molds their children alone.
A single parent must sketch every detail of life without a partner’s guide—without a partner’s light to help raise a young mind, without a shared foundation to make the burden lighter and the structure stronger. Because not everyone is favored by fate; not everyone is blessed with a partner who stays to build dreams beside them.
Sloppy Mud
Like sloppy mud in a potter’s hand, it is never easy to mold a life that matches their vision. Broken pieces become a common scene. Strength must be stored and preserved just to continue through the many challenges life throws at them.
“Pagpasensyahan niyo na muna, ‘nak.” A line that has become too familiar, yet always said with a heart that silently breaks. Spoken by a parent who doesn’t have enough to give their child’s wants but offers teary eyes, a forced smile, and tired shoulders instead—as if those could make up for yet another promise that is broken.
Extra income becomes a way of life when living under double responsibility—being both the ilaw and haligi of a home that was once built on architectural dreams but was washed away by a sudden storm. A storm surge that entered uninvited into a life once filled with shared laughter.
Some parents will go out and hunt for any work just to sustain daily living. Makikarpintero. Makilabada. “Tutulong lang ako baka sakaling may ibigay.” With rough hands and quiet hope, they step outside their comfort zone—not for themselves, but for the children waiting at home. They bring back what little they earn, hoping it’s enough to place something on the table.
Molded with Sacrifices
“Makapabannog” (Nakapapagod): A word that echoes the deep exhaustion of single parents who carry the weight of it all just to shield their children from life’s harsh realities. They don’t say it as a complaint but as a truth. They act strong even when they’re drowning—flooded with silent questions that always lead to one, when will things get better?
Living a life like a broken vessel, their hearts may shatter, but even the cracks tell the story of love. They continue to love, to work, to provide—and to wear sweet smiles even when the spark within is starting to fade. All just to make us feel seen, to remind us we are not alone. They may not always stand in front of us, but they are always behind us—supporting, clapping, loving.
A single parent may not have a partner, but the love of their children completes them. A love that silently repays the tears, blood, and sweat. Because instead of walking away, they chose to stay—fighting to raise what remained, rather than chasing what was lost.
“Sumaya-at met lang tu ti biag tayo.” (Things will get better for us as well.) With this hope in their hearts, they never stop striving—to reach a future with fewer uncertainties and to help us, their children, experience the sweetness of life. A life molded not in perfection, but in sacrifice and love.
Parents are indeed our potters. Some may carry both roles, yet they continue to mold us—through love and sacrifice—into the beautiful masterpiece we are meant to be.
