I AM ASKING YOU MOM FOR MONEY FOR A PROJECT EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO REAL PROJECT.

Since childhood, sir McCoy. I learned to lie to my parents. Whenever I needed money, I always used the excuse of a school project. Even when I didn’t really have one, even if it was just an assignment or sometimes I didn’t really need anything, I still said so. The truth is, I just wanted some extra money, to play games at the computer shop, buy my favorite snacks, or whatever luxuries I wanted. When I asked, they didn’t hesitate. What I thought at the time was, maybe they had a lot of money. But I was wrong. I didn’t know that for every money they gave, there was a sacrifice in return. I remembered one night. Dad had just come home from work. He was drenched in sweat, very tired. But I still approached him. I was carrying my notebook, pretending to have a paper that needed to be paid at school. “Dad, we have a project. It needs to be done tomorrow, or I might get scolded.” I saw how he bent down, as if there was a heavy burden on his shoulders. He stared at the old watch on his wrist. That was his special possession that I knew he loved dearly. He was silent for a moment before he slowly took it off. “Son, tomorrow, I’ll sell it. We’ll find a way.” I’ll never forget his forced smile, the kind that didn’t want to show he was struggling. Once, I was approaching Mama. While she was washing a neighbor’s clothes, I approached her and said, “Mom, we need something for our group project.” I didn’t care if it was true or not. As long as I had money. I saw his hands bruised from the rubbing, his fingers black from the soap and cold water. He stopped, thought for a moment, then pulled out a folded twenty pesos from under the cupboard. “That’s all for now, son, just add more tomorrow to Papa,” he said, forcing a smile. And me? I was so happy. It was like I hit the jackpot every time I asked for it. I don’t know, I didn’t realize that that money was in exchange for their not eating properly. Instead of staying up late, getting hurt, and starving. Until one day, I woke up to the words I heard. I thought I was asleep, but I caught Mama and Papa talking. It was only faint, but I could feel the weight. “We don’t have any money. Enan will ask for it again tomorrow. What else can we give?” Mama said. “We don’t mind not eating, as long as he doesn’t feel like we’re not there.” Papa replied. That’s when I started crying silently. It was as if all the lies I had told had fallen on my chest. All the cheating, all the money I had taken, that was the only time I saw the truth, they were choosing to make it difficult, just so I wouldn’t have to go without. The next day, I couldn’t beg anymore. I just watched Papa breathing hard from exhaustion, Mama almost closing her eyes from sleep while still doing laundry. And I, I was the reason for all of that. From then on, I promised myself that I wouldn’t fool them anymore. I wouldn’t waste every penny they worked so hard for.I would rather endure, than see them continue to suffer because of my lies. The love of parents, is unparalleled. Every sweat, wound, and fatigue they have is for us. Let’s not abuse that. Because the day will come, we may regret that we replaced their true love with lies.

As the days passed, I gradually changed myself. I no longer asked for money unless I really needed it. When there was a project or school fee, I tried to help Mom with the laundry or Dad with fixing things just so I could contribute a little. Even if it was just a small amount, I felt like they were happy because they saw that I was working hard too.

Once, a teacher was surprised to see me selling old newspapers and bottles at the market. He approached me and asked,
“Enan, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be studying?”

I smiled and replied,
“Ma’am, I have a project. I don’t want to add to Mama and Papa’s hardship, so I’ll find a way.”

I saw the way he looked at me change. It was no longer a look of doubt, but a look of respect. From then on, I felt more at ease with myself—that I could finally stand on my own two feet.

Recognition day arrived. I wasn’t a top student, but my name was called for the “Most Improved” award. As I accepted it, I immediately looked for Mom and Dad at the back of the hall. There I saw them—still wearing old clothes, sweaty, but smiling heartily. And for the first time, I felt that all their sacrifices had not been in vain.

When we got home, I handed the medal to Papa.
“Pa, Ma… this is for you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have achieved anything.”

They were silent, but I could see tears in their eyes. Papa held my shoulder and whispered,
“Son, this is all we want to see. Not the medal, but the change in you. That is more important than anything else.”

From then on, the true lesson of life became clear to me: not money, not luxury, but the value of honesty and hard work.

Now, I’ve come a long way. I graduated, found a job, and am gradually able to give back to Mom and Dad. Every paycheck, every blessing I receive, I always think: this shouldn’t be wasted, because it comes from their sweat and sacrifice.

And every time I think about the lies I told when I was young, I choose to be honest even more now—not just for them, but for myself as well.

👉 Final Lesson:
A parent’s love is not measured by wealth, but by the sweat and effort they are willing to give for their child. And as a child, the best reward we can give back is not money, but change and respect for every sacrifice they make.