The Sacred Bond Between Mom and Me

Life Lessons from Lallaine and Helene Gogna

- Kring Talladen

When the month of May arrives, the first things that come to our minds would be Mother’s Day and Flores de Mayo. Children would prepare flowers, gifts, and other surprises for their mothers.

Although children can never really repay their mothers for all their sacrifices, most do their best to give them honor. Moms, in turn, enjoy this special time to be thankful for the gift of motherhood.

This overwhelming gratitude is what Lallaine Gogna felt when she knew she was finally pregnant. After battling infertility for nine long years, the miracle happened with their firstborn daughter, Helene.

In this issue of Feast Magazine, we highlight the beautiful bond between Lallaine and now twelve-year-old Helene, and the life lessons we can learn from their fondest experiences as a tandem.

The Light in the Darkness

Lallaine considers herself blessed despite her long wait. She was surrounded by good parents and friends who became her mentors on motherhood and parenting.

“I would see how they parent,” she said. “I would see what they valued. It was a big help to watch those people close to me.”

She especially honors her mother, Liwanag, who is indeed light to her journey. “My mom taught me joy. When she enters a room, she lights it up. She’s the life of the party with her smile, her jolliness, and loveliness.”

Rightfully so, she and her husband, Arun, named their firstborn Andrea Helene, which means “she who is strong to be the light.” She came at a time when they had reached the end of their rope. Their ob-gyn said there’s no more chance for them to be pregnant. In that darkness, both Liwanag and Helene became light.