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Friday, July 25, 2008

Metamorphosis

As I was combing my hair in front of the mirror, I could not help but smile at the image looking back at me. It was not so long ago that I was so ill at ease in the presence of children. I remembered being always awkward and unnatural in their midst. Nieces, nephews and godchildren may have probably thought of me as a bore—always entirely disinterested in many of their antics.

During get-togethers or family occasions, I can recollect being merely a bystander, wanly looking at newborn babies and toddlers. While everyone else had brilliant comments about the little tykes swarming around, I could utter nothing appropriate! Words leave me in such situations …

In so many instances I had been a passive spectator, silently denigrating unattractive & grubby children all simply because that was how I looked at them. Indeed, I was just so heartless then that I could actually resist toddlers with adorably chocolate-muddled cheeks!

I used to be the “crossed aunt” (to my utter shame!) constantly guarding delicate china pieces at home from nieces, nephews and children of other relatives! I used to be overly conscious of what trouble these kids could cause if unsupervised. To say it otherwise, I used to be always “on the lookout” for infuriatingly naughty little boys & girls!

I was dreadfully wicked!

When motherhood caught up with me though, a completely different woman emerged. Suddenly, I knew how to naturally converse with insufferable little boys! I became playful and loving towards naughty little girls. Earsplitting toddler shouts and giggles, I can now, miraculously, endure! Indeed, as a new mom, I now have the perpetual patience of a saint!

To the surprise of others, I turned into a walking source of baby information. My lips can now earnestly and naturally utter expressions of concern towards ailing babies. Suddenly, I became completely “baby-crazy”— spotting them at once during malls trips! I have become a doting aunt. I morphed into a concerned Ninang with 100% maternal instinct in tow. I became fond of Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues, Hi 5, and The Backyardigans!

Indeed, I have become a child in so many ways. As my daughter grows up, I have also grown more appreciative of the simple things that adults take for granted so I guess, in motherhood, I have become a child again!

2 comments:

Daxi Weida said...

Karon lang ko mag-comment kay karon lang ko ka-visit sa imohang blog. Ang akoang comments for this one is.. taraaannnn.. NONE! kay di nako mabasa kay makalibat ang fiery red font against the background. Hehehe

Hooked said...

Pssst, gi-change na nako akong template kay nalibat pud bitaw ko (hehehe...)

To give you an idea...

Rediscovering Life is a series of blogs originally created by the owner (Hooked) for her Friendster account. It is titled such because she figures that having lived for over 3 decades now already renders her qualified to be a life “guru” of some sort (LOL). She feels that one way or another, whatever it is that she documents in here will somehow have the relevance of either amusing, convincing, dissuading, educating, confusing, inspiring, influencing or fooling others.

On a personal level, Rediscovering Life reflects Hooked’s perception on just about anything. It also serves as an outlet for her. Hooked believes the therapeutic ritual of expressing and posting her own views here will keep her from eventually strangulating someone else’s neck (no pun intended—harharhar!) over provoking concerns, realizations and experiences.

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