First pair of eyes that saw me
Mrs.Catalina Reyes-Calipayan and Leo P. Udtohan meet for the first time after two decades and seven years.
I have been searching for this woman two years. However, my busy schedule delayed the mission last Thursday when I finally had the time.
A kid came out and asked me about me so I introduced myself. The kid said her granny was sleeping that noon time. So, I told the kid that I would come back in the afternoon.
As I left the place, I was wondering how this woman looks like considering the many stories I heard from my Mama Inday and people who know her.
Until, I meet her in person.
She is Mrs.Catalina Reyes Calipayan, a retired midwife. Since time immemorial her name rings a bell to many moms in Tagbilaran City and even in many towns of Bohol.
When she told me that she’s 71 years old, I’d to blink, for it doesn’t show, as she can still be mistaken to be in her 60s- -still healthy and contended, less wrinkles, In fact, she’s attending to the needs of the kids in her home.
Her sights are still clear and she talks well. She could still remember names and places. But her memories of how many children she helped see the world, she could not remember.
They’re thousands of children of those many years of selfless love and dedication to the calling of profession.
Our conversation led to sharing her experiences. I learned that she was born in Leyte and finished here degree at Cebu School of Midwifery.
But Mrs. Calipayan’s first choice was nursing. She remembered that the midwifery was the most difficult course then. There were rigid examinations before you’re admitted to college.
“There was a physical examination. If the enrollee had a child even if she was single she’s disqualified. There was a height requirement, you must be 5 feet tall and must have a pleasing personality,†she narrated.
The young Catalina had begun her career as a midwife after she finished schooling at the age of 18.
A midwife does more than just deliver babies because she is present at every birth, whether at home or in hospital. She touches everyone’s life.
“I always make sure that the mother and child are healthy and safe,†she said.
She narrated that in one day, she would helped three mothers to give birth.
A midwife is usually the first and main contact for the expectant mother during her pregnancy, and throughout labor and postanatal period. She helps mother to make informed choices about the services and options.
“The role of the midwife is very diverse,†she said. She carries out clinical examinations provides health and parent education and support the mother and her family throughout the childbearing proves to help them adjust to their parental role.
“I’d slept in many houses most especially when the labour of the mother had to take long hours. I’m there to give comfort because it’s painful,†said Mrs. Calipayan.
Safety is also a priority in midwifery and studies show that outcomes are the same as physician-attended births.
“Praise God, in my long years as a midwife all the children is alive. And when I hold the baby and heard her crying I’m so happy and blessed because there’s another miracle from heaven,†she enthusiastically said.
“It’s a calling,†she happily said. I could sense that she had no regrets of being a midwife in her entire life.
“I pray to the Lord that everything would be fine..†and when the baby would come out it was a relifefd, “Thank God, the child has life.â€
Mrs. Calipayan is now retired but there are those who come to her house in Remolador street, this city to seek for her assistance. However, she politely told them she’s already retired from service and gave referrals where to go. She’s also busy attending to her five grandchildren from her children Chris Len, Mary Jean and Glinda. Her hubby Graciano had passed away.
Mrs. Calipayan became president of the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines-Bohol chapter. She’s also an officer and adviser of the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives in the region.
When I was about to leave her home, I asked her if she could remember Paulina Persigas Udtohan of Bopoy district.
‘She’s very familiar,†enthused she said.
And I told her that she’s my mother. And I told her that on May 25, my Mama Inday gave birth to a baby boy and she was the midwife who assisted during the labor.
But when I told her that I was that baby boy, she was surprised and hugged me. I saw in her eyes the joy upon seeing the baby boy had grown up.
“I am so thankful you’ve grown up,†she smiled.
I asked a friend to take a souvenir photo of us together. The woman whose first pair of eyes that lands sight on me
We can learn a great deal about her life as a midwife, mother and wife. Her role in the society enriches, deepens, and complicates our understanding of everyday life.
I rejoice as I welcome this new chapter with joy. Life still ahs lots of amazing surprises in store for me.
Today, I pause for a moment to look back at the journey I have taken, and look forward to the wonderful possibilities tomorrow brings.
As I step towards the road that lies ahead, I remember the places I have been part of, people who inspired me to become better and wishes that were granted,, and life’s lessons learned along the way.
As I start another page, why not make this new beginning by taking stock of the blessings that surround m? My family, friends, career, and all those little things I am able to accomplish daily—these are reminders of the unique and beautiful life I have.
I couldn’t say a word how fortunate I am to meet and thank the woman who helped my Mama Inday on May 25 two decades and seven years ago to see the light of this beautiful world.
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