Let’s get real. What is the most annoying thing about your mother?
Flaws. We mothers all have them. I sure do. The sacrament of confession was my best friend while I raised my children. “I’ll do better tomorrow,” was my mantra.
Evidently, despite all their flaws, mothers are talented. After informally asking people for the best memories of their mums, I am prepared to write greeting cards for Hallmark.
· She could do so many things, but our family was still most important 
· She is always ready to listen.
· She is always incredibly selfless and puts others first.
· She makes toys for my dog!
· She laughs at my jokes but has a bad memory, so she keeps laughing at them when I tell them over and over.
· What do I like best about mi madre? Her kids!!!
My own mother always had time for me. When I was a young mom, it seemed Grandma G never had anything to do. She sat down with us to talk. She played games with the kids. She commanded me to take naps or to go shopping by myself. More experienced now, I realize the sacrifices Grandma G made in order to look like she had all the time in the world for me and my little brood.
Speaking of those darlings…The. Motherhood. Rollercoaster. My husband came home from work one day when my firstborn was 4-months-old, to find me in a puddle of tears on the floor. He nervously asked what was wrong. “In 18 years, she will grow up and leave me,” I sobbed. Today that baby is a globetrotting 29-year-old. Now I cry because no kids are around to help with Saturday chores.
The ups and downs of motherhood bring joy and sorrow to the heart. Who experienced this more than our Blessed Mother Mary? She emptied her heart, letting Jesus go to the will of the Heavenly Father. Mother Mary’s kenosis offers an example of courage and wisdom.
Speaking of a courageous mother, my stoic German mutti battled Alzheimer’s disease for the last seven years of her life. Her biggest flaw? She could no longer handle physical touch. I could not hug her or hold her hand while she was dying. How I desired to be physically close to my mom during those days! Mom, I am annoyed, but I love you to the moon and back.
- What annoying quality in yourself can you bring to the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation?
- Ponder deeply on the Lord’s love and mercy for you, despite your weaknesses. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) “Above all, love each other deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
- Who is one person you can honor today? How does/did that person nourish your life and faith? When will you send your love to this person through a note, text, email, or face to face?
Grandma G had 6 kids, 17 grandbabies, and several great-grandbabies. She was lovingly known as “the funny grandma.” At Dunrovin, we keep in prayer all who have lost their moms or children or couples struggling to become parents. El roi – The Lord sees you.