Thursday, January 24, 2013

My Cinderella man!


I know that you will think that I am going to talk about the film " Cinderella man". But, I am not coz I am going to talk about my son who is my Cinderella man. Why? That is I am going to tell you!

This is my eldest son now. He is now 34 years old . Does he look like me? Maybe not:)

And this is me, soon will be 51 years old! 


Well, if you have been following my blog for a while, then you already know that I have four children. The three are living in the Philippines and I have one here in Norway. Me too feels like that my story can compare to Cinderella. After so much hardship, finally I found my prince who saved me from my difficult  life. Then I thought about mys son's life.

The story began when I was so young. I was 15 then when I met the father of my eldest son. I thought he would be my saviour from the misirable life that I had. The choice that made my life more miserable and painful.
But life must go on.  I was 16 years old then when I gave the birth to my son. 
Here is his baby picture. I remember when the doctor gave him to me after the birth, he said " here is your son, very little but cute.


The at 17 a mother of two and at twenty, a mother of three. I don't know why I stayed with their father. Maybe because of my children. They are so precious to me. This is how we look like 30 years ago.


But wine, women and song makes broken families. When I think back, I just couldn't imagine how much my children suffered having a broken family. I was a young mother then, trying to take care of them while my heart was aching.

It seems that it was only yesterday when my eldest son was a little boy. He had been always a mama's boy who likes to cling to his mother.

I know it was very painful for him when I left abroad to work to support him and his sisters. Painful for each and everyone of us. The first time I went home to visit them, he came running to me crying and hugging me so tight and we both cried while his two sisters were inside the house.
 His teacher talked to me later. She told me that after I left she noticed  that my son was very lonely and that it showed that he really missed me.

And more heartaches because the government of Norway didn't granted my children permit to live with me here in Norway. They can only come to visit me, but not live here. You can read  about it " My children in Norway"  and Heartbreaking choices if you want to know more of the story.

Then years with heartaches passed by and he began to study in college. Then after first year college, he lost the desire to continue. Not only that, he got his girlfriend pregnant ( his wife now) . Suddenly he was a young father and I am a young grandmother.


And his sisters suddenly became aunties. But we fell in love with this little baby. His name is Jan Andrie. My first grandson.


What would a mother do? I was of course very dissappointed. I was thinking, how can he support a child when he coundn't even support himself? No education and no work with a family to support.
Then his wife asked me to give my son a second chance. Bless her heart. She asked me to pay for the money he needed so that he can take a computer course, so that he can find a job later to support them. And it was a well spent money. My son did it very well. After finishing the course, he was asked to teach the next students. He then worked hard, study more and supported his family. Somehow I can see myself in him. Because I did the same. Study, work and support my children. Maybe I inspired him. 

And after many more years, he and his wife has now three adorable kids, as you can see in the picture:) And I love hearing them calling me grandma.



My son now works in one big company as  Global Operation Center ManagerA job that gives him the opportunity to travel abroad. Work related travel. The picture under was taken in Australia.


And this time, he is in Tennessee, USA

And here are more pictures from him.




And that is the story of my Cinderalla man. My son who didn't have a good start, but because of determination and hard work managed to provide a nice life for him and his family . And I am a proud mother. 
I suppose I can call my daughters  Cinderellas too:) They too had survived and having a better life now.
"Thought for the day"
It is good to dream, but it is better to dream and work. Faith is mighty, but action with faith is mightier.
Desiring is helpful, but work and desire are invicible.
Thomas Gaines
JOY

89 comments:

  1. This is such an inspiring story. Tells us how we can change our path after a mistake thru hard work and determination. I can tell that you really are a proud mommy. Happy ako for your son. And I'm even happier na sa dami ng pinagdaanan mo ay nahanap mo din ang tunay na prince charming mo, Mommy Joy! No wonder you still look young at 50! Yun prince charming ko ata e naliligaw pa rin, san na kaya yun! hahaha. Happy Friday!

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    1. Thanks joanne. Dont worry, bata ka pa naman. You will have plenty of chances. Yes, I thank God for the help in those times:)

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  2. I can guess you can say parenthood is one of the biggest motivations in life. He has a pretty sweet job.

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  3. Iiyak na ba ko. =) Nakalimutan mo yung Singapore niya.

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    1. Oo nga. Di ko makita pictures eh:)

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    3. kamukhang kamukha mu si ethan 'te

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    4. oo nga kamukhang kamukha nya si ethan dito. Hawig mu din pala che si Zhyrish nung bata ka pa. Pero mas lamang si Zimon. Yung T-shirt mu may Che-Che pa talaga ang cute. :) Si kuya nyo naman nung baby pa na nakahiga kamukhang kamukha si Candice.

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  4. You have quite a tale to tell Joy, your life would make a good biography. So much heart ache yet you have chosen Joy each day and share that with others.

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    1. Thanks pieces of sunshine. Maybe, that is why I love blogging, coz here I can be free to tell my story and read others too:)

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  5. that's so sweet. we always deserve second chances dont we? nice kids you've got got there joy. :)

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  6. Mami Joy, I really salute you for raising your children very well. I know mahirap ang maging single mom, yet kinaya mo ang lahat alang-alang sa iyong mga anak. Nakakatuwa na very successful na si kuya ngayon.

    Cheers!

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    1. Thanks feil- kun. Yes, I am so happy that he succeed in life:)

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  8. Ooh you've become a mother at such an early age!

    The story of your son is inspiring. He was able to make a life for himself and now he's successful. You must be real proud of him.

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    1. Yes, very early Marjorie. Yes, I am really proud of him:)

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  9. bata ka pa pala ng magkaroon ng anak....ganun pa man tiyak marami ang hanga sa iyo lalo na ang mga kaibigan mo kasi iba na ang katayuan mo now sa buhay..

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    1. Thanks Arvin. Really good things happenes to those who find God!

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  10. A good mother always deserves good kids... You were there catching him when he fell... touching story...

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    1. Thanks senyor eskwater. Hope the story can inspire others too.

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  11. wow! what a very inspiring story mama Joy..its because you raised him well and he got his inspiration from you.. gustong gusto ko ng mga ganitong story sobrang naiinspire talaga ako :)

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    1. Thanks Pink Line. Yan ang aking maalala.mo kaya:)

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  12. What a beautiful, encouraging post! My mom had me at 17, and she worked hard to give us the life she did. I believe she can look back and be proud now too. God truly has enabled us to be overcomers! Many blessings!

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    1. Oh! You have an inspiring story too Shana. Thanks God:)

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  13. Joy, you're such an inspiring woman not only by your words but in raising your own kids. Indeed, you're blessed in all aspect in life and so thankful, I came across in your blog to get inspired in life. God is good all the time.

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    1. Thanks Mhie that I am inspiring you:) you are a good and sweet mother too:) have a nice day:)

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  14. Nakakatuwa naman ang post mo Mami Joy, na miss ko tuloy ang mama ko..

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  15. Global Operation Center Manager. .. hmm dapat yata ganito work na hanapin ko ms.joy? hahahah.. travelling while working.. just how i like it to be..sana..dream hard! work hard!

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  16. Blessings to you, and your dear family.

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  17. A very touching post - hope the best for you and your family :) Hugs Hanne Bente

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  18. this is very touching iam a mama's boy!
    and this kind of story was very admirable for me

    and your son inspired me so much,
    well after all success isn't about what you got
    on college

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    1. Thanks Mecoy. Happy that my son inspires you:)

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  19. Hello Joy.
    Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog, I'm glad you want to follow me. Unfortunately, I have no add button on my blog. I have added me as a result of your blog, add your blog address on blogs I read / write comment by.
    Wishing you a good Friday / weekend :) Hanne Bente

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  20. Joy, this is a wonderful post! I loved reading about you and your son. And, yes, he is a Cinderella Man. It never matters how we start.... We can be in the worst situations, but through faith, prayer and hard work, we can succeed. Many blessings to you and yours. ~Cynthia

    P.S. You look absolutely marvelous at 51!

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    1. Thanks Cynthia. You are right. It was prayer and God's strength that helped us through the years. Thanks be to him.

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  21. Inspiring story! Salamat po for sharing this to us.

    Hindi man daw po maganda ang ating nasimulan, ang mahalaga, we end up victorious. At yan ang ipinakita nyo sa amin sa napakagandang kwento ng buhay nyo! Sana, lahat ng magulang ay kagaya nyo...

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    1. Salamat Mar Unplog sa nakakaiyak at nakakapasaya na comment. Have a nice week end!

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  22. What a great post... Loved reading your story, Joy... I know you are proud of your son --and your daughters... They get their ambition from their Mother. You did what you had to do to make it in your life... This is a great story--a story of survival and success.

    I know where Brentwood is. It is about 2.5 hours west of where we live... It's south of Nashville...

    Thanks for sharing. Great photos... AND you are so pretty NOW.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  23. Thanks betsy:) I thought about you when I saw where he is now:)
    Hugs from me too:)

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  24. Good thing wonder mom Joy is always there to back her kids up, and siempre first si God. Your story and your kids are somewhat pang MMK, nakakaantig, nakakainspire! Love to see the progress of your kids esp si cinderella son, layo na ng narating after bumangon sa mga pagsubok, that was tough! God bless you more and your family!

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    1. Thanks Gracie. I can really give the credit to God for all the help he had given us too. God bless you too dear.:)

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  25. Stuff happens in life, and we wade through it at times, but the golden shoe did fit the cinderella prince or princes. Study, Hard work, and a helping hand from you made the difference. Thank you for sharing at "Tell me a Story."

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    1. Welcome Hazel. Love joining your " tell me a story" and reading yours and others story too:)

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  26. Napaluha ako sa story mo Ms. Joy! Lalo na yong magyakapan kayong dalawa, sobrang naka-relate ako. :)

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    1. Talaga Empi! Hope you share your story too. Bless you dear:)

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  27. What a precious story. You're a strong person, Joy. I love how God has blessed your family.

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  28. Thanks Pamela. After all the heartaches, God has really blesssed us:) have a nice week end:)

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  29. Wow ate Joy mas naintinhihan ko na pa ang story nyo. Already had a glimpse of your story dahil sa mga comments nyo po sakin before. Indeed very inspiring! :)

    Yung gandang lahi nyo po runs from the blood! :))

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    1. Thanks Pao - kun. Pinaiinit mo puso ko:)
      I believe your have good gens too coz you are nice inside and out:)

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    2. I mean nice inside and out;)

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    3. Thanks ate Joy! You too! :)

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  30. It really touched my heart & i can't help but cry. I'm so proud of my husband. :) I appreciate all the hard work he did for us. He is a good provider. And I'm truly blessed to have him. On behalf of him we wanna say thank u po wholeheartedly dahil din po sa support nyo unti-unti po naming naabot ang mga pangarap namin. May God bless u more po and wish you Good health. By the way po kamukha pala niya si Candice nung baby pa siya. :)

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    1. Welcome Joan. Oo nga no, kamukha nga. Like father, like daughter:) thanks for your heartwarming comments:)

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  31. its a very inspiring real story mami joy. i always admire people na kahit nadapa once or twice sa kanilang buhay eh bumabangon. i made a mistake din sa buhay ko, to fail my parents, to disregard their dream for me pero it doesnt mean i dont love them maybe dahil madami lang problema nag arise that time. ngayon at my state sa buhay ko, ive learned a lot and i tried my best to reach out to people who walk with the same path sa akin. and i found this real story of yours that gave me a proof na hindi lang ako ang minsan naging failure sa mata ng tao. ngayon may mga pinsan akong nakatapos naman pero walang bilib sa sarili, takot magrisk at kung ano2x pa. nappressure dahil walang trabaho etc. ang nasabi ko lang naman out from my experience na "hindi porket natapos ka at the age of 21 years old, successful ka na later part ng buhay mo, yong iba late man matapos, yon ang double success dahil bumangon sila at natoto" gaya ng anak mo ngayon, who would have thought na he will go that far, dahil din yan sa inyo po mami joy dahil sa hirap at pagsisikap mo rin narating din ng anak mo ang buhay na para sa kanya talaga at a deserved life. congratulations po sa inyo mami joy dahil u have lived your life truly.

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  32. God always gives everyone a second chance Lala and that is why we should never give up. And I know that he helps those who helps themselves and trust in Him. I wish and pray that you also will continue to be successful in every area of your life. You deserved it. A young lady with a good heart:)

    Thanks for the heartwarming comment. Happy week end to you dear.

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  33. Wow! Miss Joy, nice to know the Cinderella story of your life and your son as well! From rags to riches stories. Really inspiring. All glory to God. God bless us always!

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    1. Thanks Ric. Once I thought rags to riches will be the name of my blog:)
      God bless you too.

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  34. Your Cinderella story is very inspiring. Indeed, everything is possible with faith, hardwork and determination. I went through the same hardships too (not the early motherhood & broken family tho), my parents (and I) worked day and night to support us and now, our life's better somehow.

    Thanks for this story ate Joy, it reminded me to be thankful to Him always, for all the blessings He gave us. God bless us more ate Joy, happy Sunday! :)

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    1. Nice knowing a bit of your story too Tal. Yes, we all have our own story to tell and thanks God for all the help. Yes, God bless us always!

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  35. Touchind post, thanks for sharing. Family is everything!!We are following you now hope you follow us back. Kisses

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  36. Hej Joy
    Tak for din søde kommentar til mig - kan du mon forstĂ¥ dansk?
    Ă˜nsker dig og dine en god søndag:) Knus Hanne Bente

    Hello Joy
    Thank you for your sweet comment to me - can you wonder understand Danish?
    Wishing you and your a good Sunday :) Hugs Hanne Bente

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    1. Dansken ligner litt pĂ¥ norsken, sĂ¥ jeg fotstĂ¥r litt Bente:) happy sunday too and hugs from me:)

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  37. awww he surely got all the inspiration and strength from you... You are surely his inspiration.
    Second chance was all worth it.
    I am proud of you too Ate :)

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  38. Very inspiring Mama Joy. Idol ko na sya. Kaya naman very proud mother ka kay Cinderella man. Dahil din naman eto sa isang mother na tulad mo sa buhay nya. Astig ng job nya. Worth it ang second chance. God bless :D

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  39. Thanks archie. You are right. I am proud of him. And I am sure your mother is proud of you too, coz I will be too if you are my son:) Hugs from me too:)

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  40. Yours and your sons story are very inspiring Ms Joy..proof that it's never too late to change and that there always is a second chance :)

    I swear teary eyed ako while reading how your life was many years ago..but I'm pleased you turned out to be who you are now..someone who's close to God and an inspiration to others :)

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  41. Your son's story is truly inspiring and the quote you mentioned at the end is heartwarming. It is true, we need faith to move mountains but He also waits for us to try and work harder, as obviously, your son did.

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    1. Thanks Anne. There is a saying thay we do our best and God will do the rest:)

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  42. Hi Joy, So happy I visited you today to read you and your son's inspiring stories. I believe he did get his strength from the Lord and your life example. When his wife asked him for a second chance and your supported his dream with your heart and finances for computer study, I believe HOPE and strength took over his heart and mind and he has never looked back. Praise God and praise his Mamma. I praise the man he is, has always been, just needed a bit of help to get him back on the right road and look at him! Handsome man, loving family, proud mamma and grandmother. Beautiful inspiring story I was so happy to read today. Also the picture of your family are just precious. Thank you for sharing. PS yes he looks like you, you are beautiful.

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    1. Thank you so much Lynn for your heartwarming comments. Yes, God has been our help and still is. Apart from him, we couldn't make it.
      Bless your heart sister:)

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  43. Hi Joy,
    I read this story with misty eyes. What a beautiful story it is. Your son's wife believed in him, had faith in him, and because she did, she had the courage to ask you to believe in him too and give him one more chance. And you did. It is really a story of redemption, and hope, and faith. That is why I had tears in my eyes while reading it. I also loved the post before this, with all the beautiful pictures and quotes. You do have a sensitive heart, Joy. The melting snow is beautiful, and the sun pictures... but the best of all was the last one with the long shadows of you and your husband. Your blog is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your heart.

    Love
    Lidia

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    1. Thank you so much Sister Lidia. And to God be the glory who was and is the source of everything.
      You too are a living example of a very good mother and your children are proof to that.
      Have a nice week:)

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  44. sweet pictures!! love your blog - blessings!!

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  45. Those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed! You have a very interesting story, Joy! And I am so happy you and your family are victorious! Blessings to you, dear sister! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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    1. Salamat Patsy. It was and is God all the way who helped us.
      Thanks for visiting:)

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  46. Nakakatuwa, nakakaiyak ang iyong mga kwento. You and your son have inspiring stories. I am very happy that his life turned out well. :-)

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    1. Thanks Imelda. Me too is very thankful. Have a nice day:)

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  47. It always pays when you have strong faith, hard work and determination. Hello, Joy!

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    1. Yes, it is:) hello to you Lily. Thanks for dropping by:)

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  48. Fresh from a faraway backread. Nice to read this one. I badly need this one right now.

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  49. Thanks Olivr for back reading:)

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Thanks for dropping by and your comments are very well appreciated. It is like a cold glass water in a warm sunny day! Blessings.

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