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There is something deeply humbling about caring for a parent in their twilight years. It is a role reversal that many of us are unprepared for—a time when the ones who once carried us now lean on us for strength. Watching Cecile Padua Malonzo’s Facebook videos about her 100-year-old mother reminds me of my own journey as a caregiver to my mom. It brings back memories of love, sacrifice, and regret. For almost a decade, I cared for my mother as she battled Parkinson’s disease. Her legs were weak, her body frail, yet her mind remained sharp. She remembered her days of strength, of being the "super mom" who held our family together. But those memories only deepened her frustration as she realized how powerless she had become. She felt caged, dependent on me for every decision. And while I wanted nothing more than to protect her, I now wonder if my protection made her feel even more confined. She wanted to go out, to shop, to live life as she once did. But I was cautious. I only allowed her to leave the house if I could be with her, but work often kept me away. I installed CCTVs in her room and throughout the house, thinking it would give me peace of mind. Yet, for her, it was another loss of privacy, another reminder that she was no longer in control of her life. There were moments when she would express her pain, saying she wanted to die. Instead of listening, I scolded her. I wanted her to see the value of her life, to understand that she wasn’t a burden to me. But in my attempt to shield her from her own despair, I failed to truly hear her. I wish I had been more patient, more understanding. Now, I carry the weight of those missed opportunities to show her the love she deserved. When my father passed away, my mother had no choice but to live with me. She thought she was a burden, but she wasn’t. I left a high-paying job to care for her, a decision that changed the course of my life. Starting over with a business was challenging, and while I never blamed her, I think she blamed herself. She saw my struggles and believed they were her fault. But the truth is, I would make the same choice again. She wasn’t a burden—she was my mother, and she deserved my care. It has been almost five years since she passed, yet the regrets linger. Did I serve her well? Did she feel my love despite my shortcomings? These questions haunt me, but they also teach me. They remind me of the importance of cherishing our loved ones while they are still with us. To anyone caring for an aging parent, know this: your sacrifices matter, even if they go unspoken. Listen to their frustrations, honor their dignity, and let them feel your love. The journey is not easy, and there will be moments of doubt and regret. But in the end, what matters most is that they know they are not a burden—they are cherished. As I reflect on my time with my mom, I find solace in the knowledge that I did my best with the resources and understanding I had at the time. And while I cannot change the past, I can honor her memory by sharing this story, hoping it inspires others to approach caregiving with patience, compassion, and love. Cherish every moment. Life is fleeting, and the time we have with our parents is a gift. Let them know they are loved, not for what they can do, but simply for who they are. The Entrepreneurial Journey Born Out of Love and Her Legacy Looking back, I now realize that my journey with my mom was not just about caregiving—it was the catalyst for the entrepreneurial path I walk today. My decision to leave a high-paying job to care for her was not one of sacrifice alone; it was a turning point that led me to build something greater. It was during those days of financial uncertainty and self-reflection that the seeds of OneNetworx were planted. My mom wasn’t just my inspiration—she was my guide. Her natural ability as an educator and her encouragement to pursue growth became the foundation of OneNetworx’s principles. She believed in empowering others, and it was her vision that inspired me to create programs like the Sales Associate Certification Program and home-based employment solutions. These initiatives were born from her belief in education, independence, and the power of opportunity. OneNetworx became my response to those challenges—a company born out of love and a deep understanding of what it means to care for others. It became a way to honor my mom’s legacy by helping others find opportunities to thrive, even in the face of life’s most demanding circumstances. Now, as OneNetworx celebrates its 14th year, I am reminded of how far we’ve come. From humble beginnings in a small office-garage to becoming a multi-product marketing company, OneNetworx has grown into a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs, home-based associates, and marginalized sectors. It is a company built on resilience, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. Every year we celebrate is a testament to the lives we’ve touched, the opportunities we’ve created, and the legacy we continue to build. My mom’s life was not just a story of hardship—it was the foundation of something meaningful. OneNetworx exists today because of her, and through this company, her spirit lives on.
To anyone who has ever felt the weight of caregiving, know that your journey can lead to something extraordinary. Sometimes, the greatest challenges in life can inspire us to build something that not only changes our own lives but also touches the lives of many others. Let love and purpose guide you, and you might just create something beautiful out of the most difficult moments. Here’s to 14 years of OneNetworx—a celebration of resilience, growth, and the enduring legacy of a mother’s love.
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Angelo "Jojo" Villamejor
President/CEO of OneNetworx AuthorMy journey with Onenetworx has been nothing short of transformative, and I'm excited to share my insights and experiences with you through this blog. Archives
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