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Whenever I see a chain-link fence, I am reminded of my mother’s love and how it would somehow reach out — without fail — and sustain me, wherever I may be.

During my clerkship year in medicine, we had to serve at a private hospital, which happened to be near where my mother works. Now this hospital had earned a reputation then of being toxic, due to a certain ill-tempered senior resident, and most clerks dread the month of service there.

I had the ill luck of serving just when my girlfriend and I broke up. I was a terrible mess. What had been a bad situation had just turned horrible. To this day, I associate that hospital with hell.

Except the fence. You see, whenever I needed provisions or a change of clothes, my mother would come to the rescue, without fail. You might think that an adult son would have gotten used to this, but the hardship and tears at the hospital put my mother’s care in stark contrast. Because I was in such a hurry all the time, I had to stay by the fence separating our hospital from her office and wait for her. She doesn’t take long. She would give me the package and words of encouragement. “Sige lang, konting tiis na lang!” Such simple words, such a simple thing, but it sustained me. Even to this time.

I would say my thanks, and walk back to the hospital, always turning back to look at her. She would still be standing there, looking at me (perhaps she was making sure that I wouldn’t escape from duty).

Even to this time,  whenever I look through chain-link fences, I see my mother’s love, and how it gets through any barriers without fail.