A Tribute to Evelyn De Jesus-Legaspi

 On my 80th birthday, my children surprised me with this beautiful tribute:

 

 A TRIBUTE TO EVELYN DE JESUS-LEGASPI

Three years ago, when we honored you at 77, we spoke of your perseverance, your wisdom, and the Proverbs 31 life you have so faithfully lived.  Today, at 80 years old, we stand before you again - not to repeat those words, but to testify that they have proven true, again and again.

These past three years have only deepened what we already knew:   your life continues to bear fruit in every season.  The strength we praised at 77 has not diminished - it has matured.  The wisdom we honored has become even more refined.  The love you poured into us has multiplied and is now visible not only in us, but in our children and in the generations rising behind us.

Mama, you are living proof that the righteous do not grow weaker with age - they grow steadier.  You have shown us what it means to age with grace, with faith, and with unwavering trust in the Lord.  Your prayers still cover us.  Your counsel still anchors us.  Your presence still brings peace.

The Proverbs 31 woman we spoke of then is still evident now - but we see her more clearly.

You have taught us that true strength is quiet endurance.

That true beauty is found in faithfulness.

That true legacy is built daily, through prayer, sacrifice, and obedience to God. 

Your prudence continues to be your crown.  What once looked like caution, we now fully recognize as wisdom born of experience and trust in the Lord.  Your foresight has sheltered us from storms we did not see coming.  Your diligence laid foundations that are still holding strong today.

Mama, you are still that mother hen - watchful, protective, and loving.  But now we also see you as the matriarch of a growing legacy.  You have nurtured not only children, but families.  Not only lives, but futures.  What you planted decades ago is now standing tall, rooted, and fruitful.

At 80, life speaks even louder than your words.  Your faith still shines.  Your love still gives.  Your spirit still leads us toward God. 

We thank the Lord for sustaining you, for renewing your strength, and for keeping your heart tender and faithful.  We praise God that your mind remains alert, your spirit receptive, and your desire to know Him ever increasing.

Mama, we bless you again today:

• May the Holy Spirit continue to dwell richly in you.
• May your peace deepen as your trust in the Lord continues to grow.
• May your strength be renewed daily, like the eagle's.
• May the Lord continue restoring, redeeming, and multiplying every good thing in your life.

 

We bless your memories, Mama - may they be filled with the faithfulness of God.  We bless your spiritual life - may your worship remain pure and pleasing to Him.  We bless your future - knowing that every remaining day is held securely in God's hands.

 

As your children, we reaffirm our commitment to walk with you, to honor you, and to carry forward the godly legacy you have entrusted to us.  What began in your faith will continue through generations because you chose to fear the Lord and walk in His ways.

 

Mama, at 80 years old, you are still blessed - and you are still a blessing.

 

"The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." 

- Numbers 6:24-26

 

We love you, Mama.

We honor you.

And we thank God for your life. 

 

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Thank you, my dear children, for this very beautiful tribute. Honestly, I don’t feel I deserve all the wonderful things you have written about me. I know I have many shortcomings as a mother, but I am truly grateful for your kindness and love. Above all, I thank the Lord for blessing me with daughters who are kind, respectful, and obedient - daughters who have never brought me heartache and who have been a constant joy in my life.