Heartwarming Surprise for Elderly Woman
A 78-year-old grandmother in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, experienced overwhelming joy when she was surprised by a man she once took in and raised like a son. This touching reunion was captured in a recent episode of a popular TV show.
Early in the celebration, a van arrived filled with colorful balloons and flowers. The grandmother, affectionately called Nanay Violy, received a bouquet wrapped with money and a new wallet. However, the most meaningful gift was a certificate declaring her as the “Best Mother.”
Messages from the Heart
The man, Raffy Galindez, who was once a student of Nanay Violy’s children and whom she welcomed into her home, expressed his gratitude:
“Happy, happy birthday, Nay! Salamat po sa lahat-lahat. Marami pong salamat sa pag-aalaga niyo sa akin. Lagi ko kayong ipinagdarasal at hinding hindi ko kayo malilimutan. Maraming salamat, inay,” he said.
He added, “Huwag kayong mag-alala. Kahit hindi ako makakauwi riyan, lagi kayo kasama sa dasal ko na bigyan ka ni Lord ng napakalakas na pangangatawan. Enjoy your birthday. Happy birthday. Mahal na mahal kita.”
Raising a Family Through Hardship
Nanay Violy and her husband worked tirelessly in farming to support their six children. In 2006, she opened her home to Raffy, a young boy who was once a student of her children. She considered this act a great blessing for her family.
Her children recall Raffy as a kind and hardworking student who also helped with household chores. He was a constant companion at church and even slept beside Nanay Violy.
“Siya nga ang aking bunso, maalaga sa aking mga anak at apo at maging sa akin. Kaya ako’y nagpapasalamat sa Panginoon Diyos at siya ay dumating sa amin,” she shared emotionally.
Education and Independence
The family supported Raffy’s education up to college. After nearly a decade of living together, Raffy moved out and started working in Pasay City at a travel agency.
“Itinuring po ako bilang kadugo ba. Doon ko po naranasan ‘yung maging masaya ‘yung buhay ko,” Raffy said.
Despite living far from his biological family in a remote mountain barangay, Raffy grew close to Nanay Violy’s family, especially her child who was once his teacher. When offered a chance to live with them in town, Raffy seized the opportunity to continue his studies.
“‘Yun po ‘yung nagparamdam sa akin ng tunay na nanay,” he said emotionally about Nanay Violy.
Parting Ways with Gratitude
Eventually, Raffy decided to leave Nanay Violy’s care as she aged, wanting to find work and support himself. Nanay Violy encouraged him, saying, “Siya nga ay ayaw kong paalisin. Gusto ko ay ‘Anak magtapos ka muna. Para kung ikaw ay manawa sa iyong trabaho, ikaw ay may babalikan.”
Although Raffy did not finish school and was often busy with work, he has not visited Nanay Violy for eight years. This motivated him to plan a surprise visit for her 78th birthday.
A Touching Reunion
“I just want to make Nanay Violy happy, even with a small gift. I will forever be indebted to her for my life,” Raffy shared.
After a long time away, Raffy returned to Bansud to surprise the woman he considers his second mother. Their moving reunion captured the true meaning of family and gratitude.
Experience this heartfelt moment at Filipinokami.com.