I went back to my parents’ house two towns
He boldly told me that since we have two
away with KC in tow. My mother and father
children, it was best for us to each take one
welcomed us. They took care of us without
as if they were only two pieces of candies
reprimanding me, which I was so grateful for.
—“one for you and one for me.” That he could
KC was then walking steadily and could even
take Gracia and I could take KC. But that was
run, and being in my parents’ spacious house
totally against my wishes. As a mother, I
with a large yard, was like being let out of a
couldn't afford to do that. My trust in him had
cage. I was so happy that KC was well loved by
already vanished. Everything had vanished. I
her grandparents. My parents have only two
didn't love him anymore. I didn't care for him
children, my sister and I. My sister, a registered
anymore. The pain was too much, and I
nurse in the Philippines, was then living in the
couldn’t bear it anymore.
United States with her family, and when I
returned home with KC, my parents’ house
Looking at Gracia, my heart broke. She was so
became alive again—that’s what my parents said.
thin. She looked pitiful and weak. Her face
was pallid, but for me, she was still one of the
I missed Gracia terribly, but I was also scared to
most beautiful girls in my sight. Her eyes met
show up again in my husband’s place, and I had
mine. Her eyes sparkled. She giggled. She
sworn to never go there again.
recognized me! She stretched her tiny arms
towards me as if she were telling me:
The case for custodial power for Gracia between
“Mommy, please come and get me.” I wanted
my ex-husband and I had been laid to the
to cuddle her and take her home at that
Department of Social Welfare and Development
moment. My strength was renewed. I had
(DSWD) and to the Philippine National Police
promised to fight till death just to take my
(PNP) Women and Children's Desk Office. Both
Gracia with me. She didn't deserve to be with
parties met twice inside a police station with the
my husband and moreover he didn't deserve
social workers and policemen around us. My ex-
to be a father, too. I cited his irresponsibility
husband, who appeared intoxicated again at that
and cruelty and what KC and I had been
time, was furious while cuddling Gracia who was
through under his control when the social
silently sucking her thumb. He couldn't accept
workers asked me why I wanted to take
the fact that the case had reached this point.
Gracia away from him. I didn't want that to
happen again to my little Gracia. I would risk
Faith Heart Magazine l 25
my life just to win Gracia back. And I did it.