When it all began

Rory's story did not begin on the day she was born. Nor did it start on the day she was conceived. It started on the 3rd day of Billy's birth.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted children. I wanted girls in particular. I dreamed of molding their young minds and contributing to the strong women they would become. Ironically, my girls have taught me more than I could ever teach them.

I grew up in a typical landowner matriarchal Filipino family ( If you can call that typical). Girls were always doted upon and encouraged to achieve their highest potential. We were sent to the best schools and given every opportunity. Yet, my parents, like most parents of their time, wished and hoped for sons. Even with all their encouragement I still feel inadequate simply because I have a missing appendage between my legs. I did not get it and was disgusted by the mere idea that boys are more important than girls. This is what made me want girls in particular. I want to raise them to grow up not questioning their significance.

When I found out my first was a girl, I was ecstatic. I named her Billy not because I was secretly hoping for a son. I simply named her after a man I mostly admired. From that nickname we found a suitable first name and Isabelle Pfleider Agustin was born on July 2nd 2004.

On the 3rd day of Billy's birth, I was filled with such uncontainable love and from that day on I had wanted a sister for her and another daughter for myself. On April 10 2006, Rosamaria Pfleider Agustin was born and like her sister she was perfect. We nicknamed her Rory.