Before the custom of worldly influence took over our consciousness, at least for myself, the celebration of Mother’s Day was a simple time in our family. We’d commandeer a box of Kleenex with pink or blue tissues and craft as many flowers as we could with a bobby pin. Even though Mom was mortified we’d used a perfectly good box of tissues, she couldn’t hide how touched she was by our gesture. Over the years we’d elevate the occasion with brunch or dinner outings. Despite that, I prefer to keep etched in my memory those early days, when creating petals from tissues and eventually with tissue paper were most precious.
It seems strange to set aside one day to honour a mother when a lifetime with her cannot be packed into a single day. Moms are meant to be honoured every day because that’s what Mom’s deserve.
The last few years with my Mom were difficult with her illness and journey to death. We switched roles, Mom needing me so much more than me needing her. I was her consoler, cook and someone who just listened. As her mortality approached, I realized that each day I was able to spend with her was priceless and unrepeatable.
One evening, unaware that she would die so soon, I chose to remain at the hospital late into the night. Most of that time I sat beside her in silence. I was worried she wasn’t eating, but did not understand how unimportant that was. She needed me to be there and nothing else mattered.
This past March marked the 11th year Mom left this world. As many can relate who have lost their mothers, it continues to feel like yesterday, but in that sentiment there’s a silver lining: maybe that’s because she’s been weaved so intricately into who I am. I carry her love with me and each remembrance of her keeps being transformed into gratitude. I miss her, but I’m so grateful she was my Mom.
Thank you, Mom for your golden nuggets of faith, your devotion to the Divine Mercy, which I now embrace, and your love for our spiritual mother, Mary. I continue to carry the fire of faith proudly and pray you will soon be in your eternal home (unless you are already there).
And thank you to my daughter, who continues to make meaningful the moments we spend together.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you. I also send my heartfelt prayers for those mothers who are no longer with us. May their souls rest in God’s peace.
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