We were invited to an intimate lunch yesterday with Mrs. Cindy Lotuaco-Ejercito, wife of Senator JV Ejercito.
I had no expectations because I don’t closely follow the lives of politicians unless they become national news. The person I met was a genteel, beautiful lady who quickly put everyone at ease with her dimpled smile and calming presence.
Mrs. Cindy Lotuaco-Ejercito was easy to talk with, open and honest with her answers. We talked about her family, her busy husband, her faith, and her battle with cancer (which she won!). I was shocked that someone so young as she had been at the time had developed cancer.
She shared that at the time she got the diagnosis, she was ready to leave this earth, but the one thing that really worried her the most was her son growing up without his mother, since he was still very young at the time. She got emotional at this point and I wanted to cry with her, too.
After surviving cancer, she knew she had to make some changes in her life: No stress, eat healthier. The 3 things that she is grateful for after going through that ordeal are: time, family and friends. I agree. I am always happy to see someone who has their priorities straight. 🙂
We talked about how draining it is to have a family member who is sick like this. It is emotionally and financially exhausting. Most people who hear about famous or rich people going through something like this just think that it’s no big deal because “they can afford it”. But actually listening to someone talk about their experience makes it real, no matter who they are. It is never easy for anyone; we all have our challenges.
Going through this made her husband, JV, realize how difficult it is, especially for people who need more support. That’s how he ended up developing the Universal Health Care bill (UHC). UHC makes medical consultation and several basic laboratory tests affordable and accessible. Under the UHC law, all Filipinos become automatic members of PhilHealth and are covered by the National Health Insurance Program of the government.
Asked how they find time to spend together since her husband is very busy, Mrs. Ejercito also shared that they hold Sunday sacred. Sunday is family day. The family goes to mass, they visit her mother-in-law, they spend time as a family. The woman is just so likable and humble.
They say that one’s partner is a reflection of oneself, and Mrs. Ejercito is certainly casting a very good reflection of Senator JV.
#JVEjercito #JVEjercito2019 #CindyforJVEjercito
