I will not forget you

Our mothers mean so much to us.  They are the ones who we first know of the world.  We feel their emotions while still in the womb.  While we are still in the womb, we grow to know each other intimately.  She is the one who listens to us when something goes wrong such as when we have a break-up or don’t get that position.  She is the one who is always willing to listen.  Mothers are very special people.   

Mothers love their children deeply. They always have them in their thoughts even as the children grow up and move away. They remember and treasure each moment of their children’s lives. As we grow up little do, we realize the depth of our mother’s love. 

Recently I started learning more fully how much my mother loves/loved me.  I put loves because it is my belief that even though a loved one passes away it does mean that their love continues.  I, also, believe that a mother can never forget her children.  I know that science and many believe that Alzheimer’s takes the memory away.  

Expounding on the idea mentioned above, I believe that the bond between a mother and her child begins in the womb, and they are intimately tied together. This implies that throughout life, the mother and child have a deep understanding of each other. Therefore, even if the mother has Alzheimer’s and cannot verbally express herself or say your name, she still knows and communicates with you through this bond. Please note that this is my personal belief. 

As my children grow older, I see myself in my mother’s shoes.  I understand the hours she spent staying up praying for our welfare and caring for us.  It is through love that we do for our children, just as our Mother Mary does for us.  

Mary through giving life to Jesus gave us life.  Jesus calls us his brothers.  Therefore, his siblings. Then Mary would have to be our mother too. And it is through Christ that we have eternal life. Therefore, it is through her through him that we have eternal life.  

Although Mary cannot give us a physical life as our own mothers through the womb, she can help nurture a spiritual life. By meditating on her actions throughout her life, we can grow in love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For example, when Mary accepted to carry Jesus, she accepted in humility. She continued throughout her life to show many virtues which we can use to mediate for a better spiritual life.

Mary watches over us just as all the saints and our ancestors watch over us.  Our mothers watched over us. She showed us at the wedding feast at Cana that we are to follow his direction.  Just as a teacher will frequently put a student who needs a little extra help near a well performing student. That is what she was doing when she told us to follow him.  He is the best “student”. 

Speaking to Mary and Jesus about our difficulties and wounds gives us the opportunity to grow in love with them.  Who has ever had their mother kiss their boo boo just to make it feel better?  And it does make it better.  We should bring to her our problems so that she can help to make them better.  She will always listen to us and guide us and comfort us through life just as our own mothers do.  As in Fatima or in Guadalupe, Mary appeared.  She will come to us to ask us to do better.  She always considers our welfare and wants what is best for us just like our mother.   

Today we celebrate Mary’s birthday to Saint Anne and Joachim, her parents, knowing that she is here for us. 

24 The LORD bless you and keep you! 
25 The LORD let his face shine upon you, 
and be gracious to you! 
26 The LORD look upon you kindly and 
give you peace! 

Numbers 6:24-26