In Order To Survive...

She used to knock at our gates at around 7 - 8 a.m. everyday, one pail full of fresh fishes on each hand. One time I asked her how she could carry those weight, being petite and all, she just smiled and said "no choice...".

I found out that she is just 26, but she already had 3 kids in close succession. Like most stories we hear, she comes from a poor family, and had to stop schooling (after 2 years in high school) because her parents could no longer afford to send her to school. It was not surprising when she decided to get married early. She tried working at first in a factory but her income could not sustain her family's needs. That was why she decided to try selling fish. Instead of getting a spot in the market, she chose to carry her stuff and knock on doors. The strategy paid off because she was able to get regular buyers. That was how I came to know her...

Actually I was not too keen on buying from her at first because there is a slight difference between her prices and those from the wet market near our neighborhood. But what's a few pesos difference if I could help her find some means of earning. Beside I have to admit that I like the state of her fishes.
Lately however, she has not visited us. In fact I found out that she has not made her usual rounds in our neighborhood. Why? Nobody seems to know... I just hope that whatever the reasons for absence, should at least be something for the better. Her grit to stand the heat and burden is admirable. But then her story is our story too, in fact every mom's story. I believe that there is no mother who is not willing to make sacrifices and go an extra mile to secure a good future for her family.