Mama, Papa—
There are no perfect words that can fully express what I feel in my heart, but I want to try—because both of you deserve to hear how much you mean to me.
You are the greatest blessings God has ever given me. I look at both of you and I don’t just see parents—I see warriors of faith, examples of love, and living proof that God works in amazing, mysterious ways.
Mama, you’ve had polio since you were a child. Walking, working, even doing the most basic things was never easy for you. Yet you faced life with a quiet strength, a kind of strength that doesn’t shout—but inspires. Papa, you’ve been paralyzed since before I was even born, and you too carried your share of pain, struggle, and sacrifice. You both were born into poverty. You only reached elementary school because of financial hardships. You didn’t have the chance to chase dreams like other people did. You didn’t have grades to be proud of or awards to show off. But that didn’t stop you.
Instead of giving up, you chose to keep going.
And not just for yourselves—but for us, your children.
Mama, I remember how you worked different jobs—whatever was available—just so we could survive. You were never afraid of hard work. Even with your body in pain, you always showed up for us. And Papa, even from a wheelchair, you’ve never been absent. You were always present in your own quiet, steady way—guiding us, loving us, showing us that strength doesn’t only come from movement, but from character.
Life wasn’t easy. I still remember how the five of us used to fit on one bicycle. Some people might think that’s a sad picture, but to me, it’s a beautiful memory. That bike held a whole family that refused to give up. A family that may not have had money—but had love, laughter, and faith.
And now, by the grace of God, we’re no longer in that place. We’re no longer riding just one bike—we have five cars now. We’re no longer struggling to get by—we own two restaurants. These blessings didn’t come overnight. They didn’t come easily. They came through tears, prayers, sacrifices, and above all, faith. Your faith.
You always told us that it wasn’t by your own strength, but by God's mercy and favor. And I believe that with all my heart. Because I’ve seen how both of you live—not for riches, not for fame, but to honor God and love people.
Mama, as a pastor, you’ve become a spiritual mother to so many. You speak with so much wisdom and compassion. Not because of what you read in books—but because of what you’ve lived through. You preach not just with words, but with your life. And Papa, you’ve been her strong, faithful partner through it all. Your quiet support, your endurance, your love—it all speaks volumes.
I’m proud of both of you. So, so proud. Not because of what we now have, but because of how you raised us. Because of who you are when no one is looking. Because you never let disability, poverty, or broken dreams stop you from building a life full of purpose and love.
You’ve given me more than a home—you’ve given me a foundation. A story to carry. A reason to believe that anything is possible with faith.
Thank you, Mama and Papa. For the prayers you prayed when we were asleep. For the food you gave even when it meant you would go hungry. For the sacrifices you made silently. For being the kind of parents that any child would be lucky to have.
I love you both more than words can say. And I thank God every single day for choosing you to be my parents.
With all my heart,
Your daughter, Rose
