SOS mom Gemma Sol Hermosa Villo
Keeping her treasures

By Wein P. Gadian

Two year old Princess enjoys being carried securely in her mama's arms

Life is a continuous journey, a constant challenge. We get rich not by treasures we keep in our banks but by treasures we bank in our hearts. Such treasures are found in the simple things we choose, like our happiness whether we have chosen marriage or blessed singleness.

A woman who finds her happiness in offering herself for those in need is Gemma Sol Hermosa Villo. She's the 5 th child of the eleven siblings of Cristina Sillo and the late Jesus Villo. Though they are not rich, her parents have always provided for their needs.

After college, Gemma tried working in Singapore as a Domestic Helper for ten years. After the work experience, she came home telling herself: “I feel there is something missing in my life.”

With the treasure of her life: her eight children

An aunt who resides in Zaragga, Iloilo became an instrument to a job she never dreamed of: to be an SOS Mother at the SOS Children's Village - Iloilo. SOS Children's Village is an independent, non-governmental social development organization which has been working to meet these needs and protect the interests and rights of children for 55 years. It caters to abandoned children requiring care and support disadvantaged families. An SOS Mother provides care in the home and treats (up to 10) children on her own.

From a life of parties and gimmicks with friends, she now has chosen to become a single mom for eight children. “I had a happy childhood and I want these children experience that.” An assignment that made her an inspiration to other SOS Mothers was taking care of sickly 2-year old Princess. “I had sleepless nights. Princess had wounds all over her body and she couldnt even straighten her neck because of the wounds. She also had asthma that made me panic during each attack.” The experience could have made her quit but all the more that Gemma stayed on. “I have learned much after the incident. And the more that I wanted to protect them and care for them.”

Although these children didn't grow in her tummy, they have grown in her heart. As a single person she has brought life and hope to the good of these children's future that was once almost an impossibility. Waking up at 4 a.m. for the children's need has never made her tired. “I also wanted a family of my own. I had a boyfriend for nine years, but these children are now my family. And I'm much happier with them.”

What make life great are focus, dedication, discipline and perseverance. No life is ever happy until it is lived for the glory of God. Like Gemma's life, every little sacrifice she does is only for her children and her family. “It is with the heart. Just listen to it…and follow where it leads because it will always makes you happy. And remember that everything is for the glory of God!”