The Day I Chose Self-Respect Over Sacrifice: A Mother’s Story of Rediscovering Her Worth

One day, Marco went to visit my cousin Lourdes in Leyte, hoping for news.

“Auntie,” he said, eyes down, “I didn’t defend her. I failed as a son.”

Lourdes showed him a photo someone had taken of me at the plaza — smiling, wearing simple clothes, dancing with other women.

“She’s finally living for herself,” she told him gently.

A few days later, there was a knock on my door. When I opened it, Marco stood there with tears in his eyes.

“Mom… I’m sorry. Please come home. Denise and I regret everything.”

My Answer