In the rush of life, we often forget the one person who quietly sacrifices everything for us: our mother.

While we scroll on our phones, hang out with friends, chase careers, or buy new gadgets, we hardly ever stop to ask—“How’s Mom doing?”

This is a story about the everyday hero we often overlook.

Every day, she skips meals so you don’t have to. She turns off the lights early to save on electricity. She walks instead of taking the jeep just to stretch the last peso. And yet, when you ask her how she is, she smiles and says, “Okay lang ako, anak.”

But you don’t see what she hides behind that smile.

You don’t see the pain when you ignore her text. The quiet ache when you raise your voice. The silent heartbreak when you forget to say “thank you.” She won’t tell you—but every rejection, every cold response, chips away at her heart.

Even when she’s sick, she’ll still get up and cook your favorite meal. Even when she’s tired from a long day of work, she’ll ask you how your day went. You are her world, her priority—always.

And yet, how often do we return that love?

Maybe you’re working hard now, building your dreams. That’s good. But don’t forget—someone gave up her own dreams so you could chase yours.

Mothers rarely ask for anything. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need anything. Sometimes, all they want is a little time, a warm hug, or a simple question like, “Ma, kumain ka na ba?”

You don’t need to buy expensive gifts. You don’t need to wait for Mother’s Day. Every day she’s alive is your chance to show her she matters.

One day, you might go home to an empty chair. One day, you might reach for your phone and realize there’s no one left to call “Ma.” And in that moment, regret will hit you harder than anything you’ve ever felt.

Because no matter how far you go or how successful you become, she’s the first to love you and the last to let you go.

So while she’s still here—talk to her. Hug her. Thank her. Tell her she matters.

Before it’s too late.