In every connubial set-up, regardless of creed, religion, color or orientation, the state of muliebrity has always considerably been on the paramount level of recognition and in high esteem simply because the revered status of a woman as a potential quintessence of motherhood is unquestionably the defining line that separates her from man.
But what makes that strong child’s attachment to his mother than to his dad? The unique connection is due to biological reasons.
The invincibly close correlation of a mother and her children could be undoubtedly attributed to the direct biological connection that existed between them. The psychological and physical bonds are developed and shared during gestation, the mother provides sustenance and warmth as her heartbeats’ constant rhythm provides comfort while the physical union is directly supplied by the placenta. The harmonious process continues to exist even outside the womb where other outside factors directly and indirectly affect their existence.
Mothers are the bones of our spines that make us stand with dignity and pride, she’s the blood that runs in our veins that generates love and affection, she’s the beating in our heart that spawns compassion and empathy, she’s the comforter that warms our chilly nights, and the protective covering that shields us from fear and danger.
The heart of a mother is an abyss with unfathomed depth where you always find forgiveness at the very bottom for, as many presupposed, God couldn’t be everywhere so He created a mother on his behalf. With unflinching determination and fearless fortitude, a mother unconditionally raises her children the way she thinks best and instills in them the greatest advice and guidance for them to tread the right track and establish an excellent family of their own.
Ever energetic and indefatigable, Grace Wong isn’t only the mother to her children and a wife to her husband but simultaneously a moving spirit behind innumerable community and faith-based fundraising events in Mahwah and its neighboring cities. It couldn’t be denied that she was also the fundamental instrument during her son’s foray into the political arena where, by her unparalleled guts and wits, Jonathan was elected as the youngest councilman in the history of Mahwah.
With all these immense mother’s traits (and much more) as steering criteria during the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) vital deliberation for its selection as the Mother of the Year awardee in connection with the 2015 celebration of the Women’s History Month, the name Grace Wong easily emerged as the unanimous choice. Having met these decisive factors, Grace Wong is irrefutably the embodiment and paragon of what a mother should be.
Let’s give Grace Wong opportunity to express what she feels and openly shares her thoughts and valuable experiences she has had as a mother.
“I’d like to thank PACCAL for recognizing my efforts as a mother and for granting me this award,” she starts with coy smile then effortlessly segued to:
“Any mother could agree that being a mother can be one of the most difficult tasks a woman can face. A mother must be strong-willed and stern while still exuding a loving and gentle spirit. She must consistently have the will power to put the needs of her children before her own. I’m honored to be the mother I am today, thanking God for 3 beautiful children Jonathan, Sarah and Leah. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the guidance of the two women that were mothers to me first.”
“My mother, Rose, was blessed with 17 children. In spite of the hardships in raising such a large family in the Philippines, my most vivid memory of her was when we’d spend time together playing the flat-backed 18th century instrument called the bandurria. No amount of money could buy the time that I spent with her, practicing and learning to strum the strings. Despite such difficult circumstances, she somehow was able to meet the needs of her 17 children. She wasn’t perfect, but during times of adversity, she’d always managed to pull us through. Her love for music reflected in her carefree spirit,” Grace fondly recalls, sounding mournful but with pride.
“When I was 9 years old my mother left us to pursue an opportunity in America. When I turned 18, I came to America and pursued a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and at the age of 25, I married my husband, Steven,” she said.
“When my first born, Jonathan, was only 4 years old, we built our house in Mahwah. Enveloped with an overwhelming excitement to really start our family, my parents-in-law, Ruth and Quincy, moved in with us. That was the best decision we’ve ever made. Mom was the most unselfish, warmhearted and loving woman I’ve ever met. She taught me the beauty in simplicity and the grandiosity of genuine selflessness to your family. My in-laws both passed but left behind great words of wisdom and well-learned life’s principles of existence that I truly hold dear to my heart. First, put God above all. Second, there is no problem that you cannot handle. Lastly, always put your children before your happiness,” she lengthily assayed.
“I cannot thank God enough for the two most powerful and influential women in my life. They were my teachers and inspirations, mused by their motherly ways I am forever grateful for them.”
“Being a mother is an important role that the Lord has blessed me with. I get my strength from being a Christian mother. It is my duty to love my three children and to raise them to be obedient God-fearing. As a strong family, we have stood together spiritually with the Filipino Christian Reform Church in Jersey City where I’m a Sunday school teacher.”
“I teach all my children to trust God with everything they do in life and consistently emphasize the biblical verse: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is what is right.” (Ephesians 6:1). It’s overwhelming and humbling seeing your children grow and face endeavors that mold them into who they are. They will continue to face challenges in life but the strongest are the ones who grow from their failures.”
“My husband and I raised our children inculcating in them that to fear God is the beginning of wisdom. Jonathan, 23, who became a councilman in Mahwah and pursuing his degree in law; Sarah, 19, who is pursuing her degree in becoming a Physician’s Assistant; and Leah, 15, a sophomore in Mahwah who is a leader ,a writer and loves music. They are our pride and joy and truly precious gifts from God.”
“May they not forget that the secret of their success are whispered prayers of their mother,” she said.
Compassionate, pious, down-to-earth, and amiable, Grace is determined to embrace whatever fate her Creator has directed her to lead for she believes He won’t be bestowing all these things on her fragile shoulder if she won’t be able to carry them and deliver the way He wills.
Grace Wong is slated to be honored as Mother of the Year together with nine other Women Achievers and four Influential Women of the Tri-State Area via a pompously prepared 2015 Women’s History Month celebration at the Ramada Plaza Hotel along 160 Frontage Road, Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 1pm.
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