Chess history and literature are filled with illustrations of combinations that involve the sacrifice of the Queen, the most powerful piece on the chess board. Such a move is always the most brilliant and fascinating of all and often the most difficult to undertake in a game of chess. Yet most masters or even the lesser mortals of the game have at one time or another demonstrated their ability to make the ultimate sacrifice for either a quick win or a clear advantage.
The life of Margarita or Meg Santos, the first born of Felix and Petronila Santos, has seen this parallel all throughout and continues on to this day. In 1975 at a young age of 19, she threw herself into this other end of the world and left her family in order to support them. Two years of hard labor in the prairies and soon after her father's death, it would become clear that Meg would be the official breadwinner for her family. Three more agonizing years will pass before the family would finally re-unite with their queen. On December 30, 1980, each member of the Santos clan flew from Manila to meet Meg in Saskatoon. This started, not ended, another parallel and a lot more to come.
From thereon, Meg has dedicated herself even more for the service of her mother and siblings who have gained success one by one. The siblings would later gain stability and enjoy all privileges of living in Canada. However, none of their successes could be credited for each alone. They help and support each other to the fullest but no one could equal that that comes from Meg. Meg would end up as the last member of the family to own a house and she always drives the oldest car. Meg's unconditional support for her family would be the primary reason why she has not married. She would not tell you so but I am 100% sure.
A few years later in 2001, I would become a beneficiary of the Santos family's generosity. Leading the pack is…You guessed it – Meg! My brother, too, would not escape Meg's onslaught. And now that so many of our old neighbors back in Bacoor, Cavite have moved to Saskatoon in the hope of a greener pasture, Meg won't be the last person to offer her support – guaranteed. In fact, any success story that would come out from these people can be attributed to the queen because if not for her original sacrifice, none of us could even think of coming to Canada.
Thank you, Meg for all your sacrifices! You have shaped our future. Now, we can stand-up for ourselves. Through your example, we can pass it on to our families. It is now time for you to think of your own future. Your legacy has been secured but your future deserves better!
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