A Mother’s Silent Celebration of Success
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — While many around the world observe Mother’s Day with flowers, hugs, and warm messages, one Filipino mother thousands of miles away marked the occasion differently. Lelabeth Cabahug, a 50-year-old from Zamboanga Sibugay Province, celebrated quietly yet proudly, her heart full of joy and tears streaming down her face.
In the stillness of the early morning at 2 a.m. Abu Dhabi time, Cabahug stayed awake to watch the live stream of her daughter’s college graduation, an event that coincidentally took place on Mother’s Day. This moment was especially meaningful because it symbolized the fruits of her sacrifices as an overseas Filipino worker.
“I couldn’t sleep. My heart was racing, and I was crying even before the program started. I was awake at 2 a.m. as my children need to be in the graduation premises as early as 6:00 a.m. Philippine time. I felt like I was there with them thanks to the live video streamed by my eldest child just so I could attend his sister’s graduation,” she shared with local sources.
The Journey of Sacrifice and Resilience
Cabahug’s story is a powerful example of sacrifice and hope. As a single mother working as a nanny in the United Arab Emirates, she has endured loneliness and hardship to provide a better future for her three children. Without family nearby and earning a modest income, she set aside her own dreams and the desire to return home, focusing instead on her children’s education and well-being.
Her sacrifices paid off when her second child, Micxz Heart Enanod, graduated with a nursing degree from Philippines Advent College on May 11. This achievement came just a year after her eldest, Mark Dominic, earned a degree in Criminology from Ipil Medina College. Each milestone reflects not only their success but also her unwavering love and determination.
“I couldn’t believe it! She made it. After those gruelling years, how we were able to come by, finally, I just couldn’t hold back my tears as I saw my second child graduate. I may not be there physically, but I was with the three of them, witnessing the graduation and the whole ceremony. God has been so good to us,” Cabahug said emotionally.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Cabahug’s life took a turn after her marriage to a carpenter in 1999. Following the birth of her third child, her husband’s struggles with smoking, drinking, and gambling worsened. In 2010, faced with these challenges, she made the painful decision to work abroad as a housemaid in Saudi Arabia, leaving her children aged 9, 7, and 5 behind.
Within a year, she learned of her husband’s infidelity, prompting her to finish her contract, return to the Philippines, and file for separation. In 2013, she resumed working abroad in Abu Dhabi as a nanny, this time without any support from her husband.
“My only weapon is my prayers. My faith in God made me decide to try once again to work overseas. This was the only way I know how to raise my children and give them a better future. With them in my thoughts and in my heart, I was able to surpass all the challenges raising them singlehandedly,” she emphasized.
Staying Connected Across Miles
Despite the physical distance, Cabahug stayed deeply involved in her children’s lives. She never missed important occasions such as birthdays and graduations, often surprising them with flower bouquets and constant online communication.
Her hard work enabled all three children to attend private colleges, a remarkable accomplishment even for families residing in the Philippines. For her children, she is not only a mother but a true hero.
Micxz Heart expressed her gratitude: “During my graduation day, I was hoping mom was there so that she could be with me walking on the aisle but at the same time, I’m happy because I know she’s happy watching her middle child graduates. This milestone I have had is dedicated to my mom. All throughout this college journey, mom was there to support, comfort, and most especially sustained what I needed.”
She added, “All the hard work of my mom is not wasted and has been paid off I could say. This milestone I had is dedicated to my mom. Proud to say that I’m one of the daughters of an OFW who has graduated and a degree holder this time.”
Reflections from the Youngest Daughter
Jela Mae, the youngest at 20 and currently a College of Pharmacy student, recalled the challenges of growing up without her mother physically present. “I used to question if my mother really existed because I never felt her presence,” she admitted. “I only truly experienced a parent’s love through my father.”
Still, she recognizes the sacrifices her mother made for their family. “As time passed, I realized that if it was hard for us, her children, it was even harder for a mother to be away from her children. Growing older, our situation made me realize that our mom is a superhero without a cape; she’s a very strong, independent woman.
Many people say we grew up to be good children even without our parents by our side. The only reason we became good children was her love. Even though she was far away and we didn’t spend time with her, her hard work was enough to show her love for us. She always prioritized us before herself,” she said.
“Our family revolves around my mother. She’s a devoted provider who works tirelessly to ensure we have all we need, even if it means sacrificing her own desires. She is also my best buddy, whom I can chat to and joke with. Above all, she is the best mother anyone could ask for, constantly supportive, kind, and loving. Every day, I am inspired by her bravery, kindness, and unwavering determination,” she added.
Cabahug’s journey reflects the strength and resilience of countless Filipino single mothers working abroad. Their sacrifices highlight the enduring power of a mother’s love that transcends borders and distances.
For more news and updates on Filipino single mothers overseas, visit Filipinokami.com.