There are times that we are forced to attend a gathering among relatives, for social obligation. Nothing more, out of respect, one is compelled to perform the duty. It is a Filipino custom that we should give our support no matter how we feel.

Many times, I have to deal with this situation. The most recent was the wedding of a niece – my sister’s daughter. Long before the wedding, my sister defensively mentioned that the principal sponsors are godparents. It was a cheap defense for not inviting me as principal sponsor.

For so many years since 1980, I have kept my silence. It is a duty to support family. My husband was holding a permanent job. I was a striving nigh student in Philippine Women’s University. My sister lost her firstborn due to meningitis. Her second child was born while living with the father’s family. Her husband was unemployed. They came to live with us in our rented room in Las Piñas. My husband helped her husband get employed in his workplace. And that started a good life for my sister. She gave birth more to two offsprings.

Having three children is heavy for a single breadwinner. Sending the children to public school is the best remedy. However, when the children are sickly, it’s another story. This made my sister problematic. My nephew was asthmatic; he was always in the hospital. My sister would get loans to pay for hospital bills. We were the nearest family, who should help them? I was working while studying while my sons were in parochial school. I was used to simple living and would save our income in a bank. I spend for books for supplementary reading. We were preparing to get a house in a private subdivision.

Having saved a family from starvation and disease with extra loans now and then? But people tend to forget after many years. I didn’t expect anything in return.

The wedding was finally arranged. I accepted that I was not a part of the entourage. I never require other people to have me in the entourage. This was different. She is my blood, she played with the same toys my son played with. They rode in one stroller. They ate the same oatmeal, sweetened tofu. Several pictures from my cherished albums would attest to that. I was not her godmother, but I was more than a godmother for saving her life and dignity. Life is unfair. They have put me to shame. I stand to fight for my dignity. I have not intention to make any revenge. I just want the world to know the truth. I break my silence for the unjust low esteem accorded me of people in their circle.