Tess Magalong

Someone once said, "I could do anything as long as I have God by my side." This someone is my mother, Tess Magalong. She is a woman of intelligence, grace, energy, and beauty. She is my wonder woman of the twenty-first century. These qualities were put to test on June 25, 2007, when she was told the upsetting news of having invasive breast cancer. Why would something so dreadful have to happen to an undeserving person? At first, she took the news in disbelief but her strong faith in God took over. She called it a "blessing in disguise." She believed deep in her heart that with God's strength, she would be able to face this with grace. Her faith even grew stronger. Nothing could tear her down - not even cancer. Not even when my dad was admitted in the hospital for meningitis in the midst of her chemo. She was an inspiration to all of us. "You are my hero," "You're a fine miracle," "You're an instrument of the Lord," are quotes from some of her friends. The only thing that worried her was figuring out what to wear that would match her bandana. Vanity of vanities! She kept a joyful spirit everywhere she went, be at work, at home and church. She held us all together. Her strength was contagious. She made it easy for all of us to cope with cancer. Looking back, we all could say, it wasn't as bad as we thought it would be.