“The light is so beautiful”
said the little firefly. His eyes glittered as he looked at the lamp’s flame. He was very amazed, he forgot what his mother told him, not to go near the shimmering flame or it would burn his wings. But he was hypnotized… he moved closer and the flame touched his wings. He was turned into ashes.
This story is entitled, “The Little Firefly”, a story associated with the effects of a child’s disobedience to his mother. Commonly it is narrated to those children who are closing their ears when their mother orders them to do things.
But before it became one of the most remembered plots in a Filipino household, it was first told by a mother who wanted to relate a lesson to his stubborn son. As he was showing dismay on reading books his mother gave him… his mother thought that telling this story is a solution to the problem
And as this kid grew up, bearing the words of the most important lady in his life, he turned out to be a remarkable person and a celebrated Filipino indeed… and now he was known as our national hero, named Jose Rizal
Like they say, that in behind every successful man is a great woman. And so looking back, we could see a person who would fit this saying well… Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonzo
Being a child born in a rich and influential family, Teodora Alonzo grew up loving the life of simplicity. She desired to study and live well and be a good daughter and woman in the eyes of her family and the people around her. She grew up differently to the materialistic woman of her time, she maintained being simple and a decent woman even she’s married.
She was also known as a person who looks at all races equally. She received her guests well even they are Spaniards or Filipinos and treated them like there’s no racial barrier.
Other than that, she was also a good mother to her sons and daughters. Encouraging the child to do things by himself is one of her principles. This may be the reason why her children grew up as people who can be considered as great Filipinos.
Her mindset and principles led to the development of the creative mind of a man who ignited the nationalism of the Filipinos. How she shows regard to her fellow Filipinos strengthen the characteristics and love of country of her offspring.
A Filipina with substance and a good point of view in life turned out to be one of the key to our independence.
one of the keys, anyway this is a great post.
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