There are moments in life when we come to truly recognize and value the things around us only after they are gone.
This sentiment resonated with netizens through a heartfelt Facebook post by Ma. Criszelda “Crizette” Baclay in April 2023. In her post, she shared a touching message for her late mother, Norma Baclay, who passed away in 2007.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Ma. Criszelda ‘Crizette’ Baclay
Crizette graduated with a BS in Entrepreneurship from Cavite State University in 2023, a milestone her mother sadly did not live to see.
n her Facebook post, Crizette shared that she visited her mother’s grave to dedicate her diploma, symbolizing her successful completion of college.
She also reflected on her rebellious nature during her younger years, admitting that she was often headstrong while her mother was still alive. After her mother’s passing, Crizette vowed to prove to everyone—and to herself—that she could rise above her struggles, finish her education, and make amends for her past mistakes.
It can be read, “Eto na ang isa sa mga ipinangako ko sa inyo at kay papa buntis pa lang ako sa bunso. Aayusin ko ang buhay ko dahil sa hirap na dinanas ko. Hindi nga kayo naniwala sa akin db nung sumulat ako sa inyo sabi ko darating ang araw gaganda ang buhay ko, yayaman ako. Kasi matigas ang ulo ko kasi ang aga ko nagkaanak, apat pa at walang sustento. Hanggang sa mawala ka. Si papa naman nagagalit kasi gusto ko mag-aral. Pahirapan pa sarili wala naman akong pera. Pero mas mahirap maliitin ka ng mga tao. Napakatigas daw ng ulo ko mama pinapalayas kami ni papa. Pinagpipilitan ko daw ang gusto ko. Hindi ko pinagsisihan yun ma kahit nahirapan ako kasi alam ko malayo mararating ko.”
When Crizette finally marched and received her diploma, she wasted no time in visiting her mother’s grave with her father, offering her achievement as a tribute to her memory.
“Yan na ma, pinagsikapan ko yan. Puyat, pagod, luha, hirap at nagkasakit pa ako. Nakatapos na ako mama. Disappointed man kayo at bata ang naging diploma ko noon. Ako na ngayon ang kauna-unahan mong anak na nakapagtapos ng college. Alam ko masaya ka. Si papa tinanong ko sya kanina. Masaya ka na ba papa, proud ka na ba sa akin? “Oo, masaya ,” sagot niya na umiiyak din.”
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Ma. Criszelda ‘Crizette’ Baclay
She also shared that the family’s former “black sheep” is now proudly wearing a black graduation gown.
