Teary eyed as we walk along the schools red carpet with our daughter in the middle of us during her recent Grade 10 Completion Exercises last May 18 of the current year. Every step nearing the stage with the usual marching music being played , our hearts beat fast remembering all the hardships and sacrifices we've been through to still send her to private school despite pandemic and tight budget.. was fully rewarded.

As the school administrator called her name, announcing all her achievements made our hearts leap for joy. My husband and I pride ourselves as her parents, as she completed Grade 10 , with merit awards and With High Honors.

Her School Journey

The beginning of her school days went smooth and no fuss at all. Her first day during Prep School was like play and fun for her. She completed it as Top 1 though i dont care much of the ranking i was happy of course for the turn out. I just want her to meet new kids and learn how to socialize and deal with other kids her age.

Elementary days went good as well though her face was being acknowledge most of the time, assigning her often as "Muse" of the class while being a class officer was she desire. She finished Grade 6 though as Salutatorian . Proving them that she is not just a pretty face but a brainer too.

How she was raised

As our first born, we did our best to provide all her needs but spoiling her was totally out of the picture.

Her wants are given as a reward for her hardwork at school and for being good and obedient most of the time. We never pressure her to do things our way but rather supported her all the way from the things she wants to accomplish on her own.

Our life is quite simple, living with the basic. We tried our best to instill it too with our kids. That you can find happiness through simple things.

That , it does not matter if you watch TV in a 29"inch screen or in a 60" inch one coz the story you are watching will have the same ending regardless of the size of your screen you are watching it .

That , an ordinary watch will tell you the same TIME same as the signature ones can offer. Wasted time are still wasted time regardless of the amount of your wrist watch you're wearing. That expensive ones wont give you extra time not even seconds to add into your life.

That, we can enjoy the same taste of coffee at home with added twist and flavors at a HUGE COST difference if we buy it from Starbucks. We can paired it with our favorite breads and pastries of our choice without hurting our wallets.

The same way that together with her younger brother, they could enjoy their favorite pasta, fried chicken and fries at home untill they are full.

That , they could find HAPPINESS and ENJOY LIFE, even in the most simplest things. We taught them to be KIND and will never get tired of teaching them to be FAIR and HONEST at all times.

I remember when she was around 5 or 6 of age. I heard something was broken. She emerged from the bathroom crying and goes right into me saying ,I'm sorry mommy i broke the soapdish plate in the bathroom, it slipped into my hands. I hugged and calmed her down. Telling her that it's ok and i will just replace it with a plastic one so it wont break anymore. She asked me if i am mad at her and i tell her NO , and just be careful next time and she did a good job by telling the truth. Afraid as she is, she chooses to do what is right , and that is to be HONEST. From that moment , i know we're doing a fine job as a parents.

We always tell her though that high grades is not a guarantee of success in the future but your hardwork , diligence and education are good gears towards a better life. A kind heart will go a long way while knowledge will serve as your armor and bullets in the battle grounds of life.

Closing thought

A new journey is about to begin , another chapter that requires patience and hardwork. Long way to go our dearest child . Hurdles are always present but as the new chapter begins i know you'll discover your new power as always. As you always push yourself farther than you've ever gone before .

Together with your brother, Dad and I with the guidance of our Almighty we will step into tomorrow with courage and might. We are more than proud of you our child who is " Not just a TURNER but a BRAINER " indeed.

This article is for you my dear daughter. Thanking God and thanking @read. cash for the opportunity to share my inner thoughts. Hoping it will stay long so when time comes that she reached her ultimate goal , i will write again another story. Her story of success.

Thank you,

grey23espartinas