Happy Birthday, Mom! We miss you!

 

It’s my mom’s birthday (February 21) today and of course I’m thinking about her.  I miss her—a lot!  I guess deep down, I’ve always been a “momma’s boy”.  I miss taking her to Mass and bringing her the Eucharist on Sundays.  I miss our weekly visits together when we would discuss everything from faith to family and Facebook.  I even miss going grocery shopping with and for her!

I thought I would share some quotes I found on the internet about mothers that convey my feelings about Mom more eloquently than I ever could:  

“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life.”  ~Abraham Lincoln

This is an accurate description of my mother, as well.  My mom’s prayers not only followed me; they led me in most of my life decisions and instilled in me the faith in Christ that is our hope for the world!

 

“A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled.”  ~Emily Dickinson

“’Mother’” is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”  ~William Makepeace Thacker

I think even after we get to know God, “Mother” can still be substituted for the name of the love that God has for us.  The model of love that a mother gives her children makes them appreciate the magnificence and magnitude of God’s love all the more!

 

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.”  ~Rajneesh

A mother is absolutely new for every child she bears.  Each child has a mother of his own—children share a mother’s physical presence, but the love between each child and his mother is unique—not more, not less—simply unique. 

 

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”  ~Washington Irving

My brothers and I were blessed that our mom modeled her love for us on our Blessed Mother’s love for her Son.  She was blessed with the courage and foresight to know when to ask for Mary’s help when she felt overburdened.

 

“You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool mom.”  ~Author Unknown

And God knows my brothers and I tried—several times!  Each time, we were found out.  It was uncanny! 

 

And finally, a poem:

I love you, Mom

And that's why I pray

Not just today on your birthday

But with each remembrance

Of the love you've expressed

My thankfulness to the Lord I've professed

For my life began

In a warm and safe place

Then grew more secure in your tender embrace

 

When I was little

You taught me to crawl

Then to walk and run, and get up when I fall

Nurtured and cared for

You raised me to stand

Lifted, supported, by your loving hand

 

You believed in me

Inspired me to dream

Nothing was impossible for me, it seemed

It was your example

That pointed the way

To the life in Christ I know today

 

Mom, I love you

On this, your birthday

You're the reason I'm taking this moment to pray

 My mom, I love her

Let her know, dear Lord

Please bless her with the most abundant reward

 

~Mary Fairchild