I was wished a Happy Mother’s Day today…that caught me by
surprise! (I do not have the most important part of being a mom, a child.)
You know the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”
well here in Chuuk that is exactly what happens. Everyone is called maama or
paapa. I am often referred to as maama Elana (especially in school). At first I
was not comfortable with this label. I told the kids I am not a mom, I do not
have any kids.
I asked my mom why is everyone in a family referred to as
maama or paapa when they may not be the child’s parent. She told me the
students call me that out of a sign of respect, I am their mother figure while
they are at school.
That is when I realized the advantage of a village
raising a child. A parent may not always be with their child, but they know
that their child is being taken care of by someone (who most often is a family
member by some relation; aunt, uncle, cousin…).
It does not bother me as much anymore when I am called
maama Elana (even though it is still a little awkward…). My view of being a
teacher has change slightly in the fact that I am not just teaching someone else’s
child, I teach them as if they were my own child.
I have 80+ kids that I interact with at school and I
would do anything for anyone of them!
I have been blessed to have many mothers (all over the
world!), but I only call one mommy. She raised me and is my best friend and I
love her with all my heart! (lady you know who you are!)
Happy Mother’s Day to all the women in the world! (even
if you have not given birth, you are still a mom to someone)
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