(Deng Punzalan is a single parent who works in the Law profession.  She is a simple person with simple dreams.  Her life primarily evolve now with Reign – the love of her life.  Unexpected pregnancy was just one of the battles where she ended up as the victor.  This lady, in my mind, will never get defeated with trials as she keeps herself strong with faith in Him and optimistic attitude.  I hope that this short story she is sharing with us will give inspiration especially to single moms out there. – Toni)

 

“It was an event that made a tremendous change in my life.  I consider it as a big turn which made me strive more in life than just go on with the flow.  Now I’m struggling with my chosen career because I know that a little kid’s future is at stake and his bright future depends hugely on me.

 

 

 

 

I had a second thought before, if I will keep my baby or not.  I didn’t know what life is ahead of us. It was an unexpected pregnancy and I was forced to resign from work to avoid gossips because of my condition.  There was no night that I stopped shedding tears.  I felt that no one will help me not even my family except myself. I had no work then. I was slowly using my savings for our daily needs.  I was losing all the hope that I have.  But as I felt his heartbeat, I realized that life is growing inside me and I needed to be strong for him.  I’ll face all the battles in life just for my baby.  I became optimistic that I can do everything for my son and somehow we will survive. 

 

I really needed to start from nothing since I lost everything, my job, my savings and my family.  The only thing that was left for me is my son who gave me all the reason to live, to be courageous, faithful… 

 

Searching for a job at that time was just impossible.  There was nobody to attend to my son.  I was fortunate enough that my sister who sought to work abroad needed somebody to attend to her children while she’s away.  So I took care of her kids for a fee.  When my son was already one year old I started looking for a new job since our expense is increasing and my baby is old enough to be left at home with his nanny. 

 

Every single day was a battle for survival.  I worked from one company to another trying to find for a more promising career and high salary job. We were able to survive our battles. 

 

My son Reign is quickly growing as he is 4 now, and turning to be a happy child without any trace of our struggles before. Presently, I enjoy working in my chosen profession.  Hopefully, one day, I will attain all my dreams for me and my son.”

 

Editor’s note:  Rodenna “Deng” Punzalan, 37, works as Paralegal Marlow Navigation Philippines, Inc.