I spent two years of my life in a foreign country, earning my keep to send my children through school. The homesickness was unbearable, and sore muscles and tears were part of my daily existence. To alleviate the longing for home, I pinned pictures of my children and immediate family on the inside of my closet, together with a newspaper clipping of a poem by the late Vice President of the Philippines, Salvador Laurel.
This poem gave me strength to go on each day. It speaks of perseverance, hard work and family. Let me share it with you.
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Why Eages Never Die
-by Salvador "Doy" Laurel
November 18, 2002
I've been watching eagles all my life;
I've seen them soar and swoop in strife;
Gliding with grace against wind and sky,
But I've yet to see an eagle falter or die.
They all look alike up in the sky,
Strong and daring in their quest up high;
They only rest when the day is done,
To perch and care for a little one.
They sally forth each day without thought
Of wounds or flops, or yesterday's drought;
They care not for the past or the morrow,
They know the only time they have is now.
And when 'tis time to go, they never tarry;
They leave the world without being sorry;
To some forgotten cliffs they simply hie,
So mortals never see them ail or die.
This is my first time reading the poem. As a Mom, I can feel your pain of being away from your kids although I haven't experienced being away from them. It must have been agonizing.
ReplyDeleteIt was. There were times I needed a hug and I had to make do with holding their pictures close to my heart.
Deletegreat poem, thanks for sharing! :D xo, jess @ dreamingofleaving.com
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing sacrifice you made!
ReplyDeleteI am now asking myself, what circumstances in life Doy Laurel is facing when he wrote the poem. A n inspiring one at that. Saludo ako for you, nagawa mong tiisin ang lungkot sa 2 years your away from your kids.
ReplyDeleteHi Papaleng. I would guess he wrote this poem when he was fighting his disease (Lymphoma). The poem was written in 2002 and he died in 2004.
DeleteGreat poem! I can't even imagine being away from family but you have to do what you have to do!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice poem.. Being away gave me more appreciate to want to see them
ReplyDeletetotally very nice poem to read, good to learn something i never did.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem!!
ReplyDeleteKatie @ Cup of Tea
What a sacrifice of love you made. As someone whose mother did the same for my siblings and me (leaving the Philippines to work in NY), and who can't even imagine leaving my own baby boy, I have so much respect and appreciation for this gift.
ReplyDeleteNot all mothers do what it takes to prepare a better life for their children. You made an awesome sacrifice that your children will appreciate forever.
ReplyDeleteThat's total sacrifice that only parents can do for their children. You're so resilient and strong and know that I admire you a lot. Your children are so lucky to have you as their Mom :-)
ReplyDeleteI feel the pain of being away from your kids Ai, glad you are not together with them, and thanks for sharing this poem, it indeed speaks of very admirable strength of an eagle.
ReplyDeleteThe poem indeed is so inspiring. My parents also works and now lives abroad, I can totally understand how you are feeling.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem. What a breath taking shot too. Eagle fly so perfectly spreading their wings. I never get tired lookign at them up in the sky.
ReplyDeleteEagles die, we just don't see them because they hide or so the poem says. Anyway, it's an inspiring poem and even though I can't relate to your experience of being away from your kids, I can just imagine how much you miss them. I am assuming that you are back in their arms now...
ReplyDeleteYou made such an incredible sacrifice for your children, and it will help them to soar for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteIt's only now that I have chanced upon this beautiful poem. Thanks for the lovely share. I admire your strength, resiliency, perseverance and love for family. May your tribe multiply!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem.... it reflects you who will do anything for her kids like an eagle does: )
ReplyDelete