Her entire life has been a spiritual journey for Wendy Valdez, even more so when she became the mother of an ailing son.
In 2018, Wendy opened up about the health condition of her son Seth.
"When God blessed us with Seth, I was devastated to found out he has spina bifida... a condition that may not allow him to walk, urinate, or poop properly on his own," she retold in an Instagram video posted on June 13, 2018.
This was around Seth's first birthday.
Wendy continued, "His hip bone is not in the right position, and he has mild hydrocephalus—all caused by an opening in his spine while he was still in the womb."
Wendy and her husband Normann Garcia kept their hopes up for Seth even when the results of their baby's medical exams weren't always favorable.
"I remember how I cried like I've never been to the Lord when I found out. It was like someone died," she continued.
"My dreams for him and me were the ones that actually did—running, walking, climbing mountains with him like in the movies or other seemingly perfect scenarios that I have pictured for our family.
"But life is never like a fairytale..."
"Most diagnosis we got every check-up were heartbreaking to hear, but every ultrasound, Seth would move inside of me as if letting us know how excited he is to live."
Fast forward to Seth's second birthday, the little boy continues to be strong.
And so does Wendy.
MOTHERHOOD: GOD'S GIFT TO WENDY
Wendy still considers parenthood as "a wonderful privilege," despite the reality of her journey.
Speaking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) via Instagram direct messaging, the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate likens it to how God loves His children.
Published as it is written, Wendy relates, "I always thank the Lord for giving me an opportunity to be a mom.
"To understand how God probably sees His children, through the eyes of a mom towards his son.
"Having a glimpse of what God must feel like when He disciplines us, or when He allows difficulties in our lives for our good. The way He loves.
"I understand God and His character as a loving and good father because of this journey, it amazes me. I also see the power of Christ perfected in my weaknesses as a mother.
"I have clung to the Lord even more because of the condition of my son."
Motherhood has also humbled Wendy as person, reminding her that it is okay to make mistakes.
"I am impatient and a quitter, and i fail in many areas, and for sure I will fail many more times as a mother, but I pray hard for grace and strength," the celebrity mom continues.
"I always pray for God to help me become the mom that my son needs, so I would be a good steward of this gift.
"I am overwhelmed by how God has sustained me, and is always sustaining me for whatever it is I need to do for my son, and our family.
"I am becoming someone I never thought I would ever be. I can't imagine being a mother without God by my side.
"The mother that people see is really the abundant graces that God continues to give me. Kahit ako nagugulat.
"There is joy even in uncertainty of what may happen to my son, because I know that God holds our story in the palm of His hand. We enjoy him so much."
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WENDY: "ONE DAY AT A TIME"
While the situation appears dire for an outsider, Wendy says she doesn't feel any kind of frustration about her experience.
She reasons, "I believe that obstacles will always be present, but I can always pray about them, and ask God for grace to help me go through them with joy and Trust in Him."
In addition, Wendy chooses to celebrate every small victory she and son Seth have.
She says their milestones range "from knowing his condition at 4 months in my womb, to giving birth and staying at Nicu for 1 month. To fighting for breastfeeding."
Wendy acknowledges that there will be difficult times, but the former actress continues to see the bright side of things.
She says, "God still has purpose for him. Up to when God knows."
Motherhood has made Wendy "run to God even more."
"I need God everyday to care for my son. We have a long way to go, but I want to stay where we are now and rejoice. One day at a time.
"Difficulties made me cling to God and His promises in the bible like our life depends on it. Because it really does. Here and eternally."