A Diverse Look at Mother's Day

May is here and we are once again reminded to honor those nurturers who have come before us. Mother's Day and Mary's Month are reminders of loving care and the 'yes' that changed the world. This month also bears sadness for many. Some have lost their mother, others mourn the mother they wish they had, and others grieve for children who either weren't born or were lost to this world too soon.

In the spirit of encompassing as many loving individuals into a warm hug as possible, I've listed four of my past posts. Their diversity is my attempt to make something good out of all circumstances - the knowledge that we are all fashioned for love. The one thing we all have in common is as brothers and sisters of a God whose love is unconditional.

Happy Mother's Day, I miss you!

Mother's Day is a time of great joy for many. It is a time for mothers to cherish motherhood and for children to remember their mothers. It is a time when fathers honor the mother of their children and when we all honor our grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and woman friends. It is also a time of sadness for those of us who have lost their mothers.

The anniversary of my mother's death was just memorialized on May 4th - 18 (now 22) years of being without my mother and best friend. This Mother's Day, I thought it only fitting to write a letter to Mom and tell her what I think of when I reflect on her life [read more]

Blessed Mother's Day to All Who Mother!

Here it is again - the day set aside each year to honor mothers. But who is a mother? Is she someone who has a brood of children at her feet? Is she the woman who can't conceive but desperately wants to nurture? Is she the woman, who through some misguided period in her life, chose abortion? Is she someone who has helped those who need her most - whomever that might be? The answer? All of the above. [read more]

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness 

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Our daughter, Erika, wrote this poem and created the accompanying graphics in commemoration of the four children she lost through miscarriage. These little saints in heaven, known only by God, are waiting for us!

Millions of women are silently grieving for unknown lives.These quiet women walk among us averting their eyes from expectant mothers with proudly rounded belliesAnd arms full of healthy happy babies. [read more]

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Can a Non-Catholic Find Comfort In Mary?

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Recently I received a question from someone who is not Catholic. Although she thought it might be a silly question (it wasn't) she wanted to know if a Protestant owning an object with the image of the Blessed Mother, Mary, on it was objectionable to Catholics (it isn't). Apparently, this dear sister in Christ has a great affinity for our Mother and finds comfort from her. What a gift! Many Catholics could take a lesson from this question - I know I did.

[read more]

You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone

No, I’m not being facetious, I’m simply putting recent thoughts into words. Lately I’ve thought a lot about the ‘last times’. Not the biblical last times or end days, but the things that we take for granted and aren’t prepared to miss.

When will be the last time your baby boy of 12 asks you to play Rummy or bake brownies? As much as it’s been a habit for all these years, there will come a time when he doesn’t ask anymore. When will be the last time? Did you miss it?

When will be the last time you have a shopping date with your mom? Lunch and shopping ‘til you drop with her kids and your kids was the norm for so long. But one day, it will be the last time. She’ll find out she has cancer and things will never go back to normal. You will miss it.

When will be last time you celebrate holidays in your house? The family has always come over – Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. It’s an established event. Then, one day, you’ll find yourself moving and will miss those times. When they were happening you didn’t even realize they were the last time.

Our life, here on earth, is just for a time. Don’t miss out of the wonders, the love, the joy – even the tempering pain. One of these days will be the last time. Cherish, nourish, breathe it in. Love and be loved.

And when the last time comes, know that there will be a next thing. Maybe a new house, maybe a new friend, maybe grandchildren brought to you to hold by your children who still cherish you, their mother.

And in the end, we must not miss our opportunity to live life to its spiritual fullest. Because we don’t want to miss the roll call when final judgment comes. The new life we live with God will find that we don’t miss this life after all!

(Time Up)

Oh, and Happy Mother's Day to all - whether you're a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or just any kind of nurturer!

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Here we are again, joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday #fmf  - a fun way to participate in timed free writing with other bloggers.

Today's #fmf prompt is 'miss'. Follow the link to check out some truly inspirational entries.

5 Memes (and Counting) for Moms - Mothers Day Weekend Tweetfest

In the spirit of appreciation for Mothers on this Mothers Day weekend, I'd like to share some thoughts about Motherhood with you - in picture form. A recent post, 14 Things Catholic Mom Want to Tell You About Themselves, by Catholic Sistas inspired my creative side. Please consider participating with my friends and me by joining the Mothers Day tweetfest - use the hashtags #CatholicMom and #MothersDay.

Here are a few of my favorites so far:

 1. Motherhood is Fun!

2. Motherhood starts at fertilization

3. Motherhood means an open heart!

4. Motherhood is a blessing - submitted by 400WordsforWomen.com

5. Motherhood is comforting.

6. Motherhood cares for others before self.

7. A mother's heart is a sturdy shelter.

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8. Motherhood is timeless.

9. Seeing the world through your children's eyes - ~Submitted by Nancy

10. Motherhood is pro-LIFE! ~Submitted by Nicole D.

11. Motherhood - knowing your children are the sunshine of your life! ~Submitted by Therese

12. Glorious Motherhood! ~Submitted by Tina

13. Spiritual Motherhood - Emulating the love of Jesus and His Blessed Mother!

14. Sister...a great stand-in when Mom's no longer there. After all, Mom showed her how to love!

15. Adoption, a love connection.

16. For the sake of the Blessed Mother, hold them in all Honor! ~Tina

17. No one can take her place! ~Submitted by Tina

18. Motherhood - finding joy, no matter what! ~Submitted by Jennifer

19. Motherhood - Faith, Little Fears, Fun, and Lots of Love! ~Submitted by Beatrice

20. Motherhood...when one of each isn't enough! ~Submitted by Caila

I also wanted to share a sweet message posted on my wall by our youngest son today!

A tribute to Mothers everywhere...

So what are you waiting for? Share your photos and thoughts about mothers in the comments or on the Designs by Birgit fan page. I'll publish, share, and tweet your creations!