Love thy neighbor as thyself

An appreciation of Motherhood…

Good Monday, all. I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day. Perhaps you had a chance to visit, call, hug, or pray for your mothers and perhaps you also were celebrated. My favorite gift this year was a bag of chips and salsa as my common complaint when I arrive home from work is, “Who ate all the chips and salsa?”

The family had a good laugh when I opened the gift as I have had to hide food at work just to get a share of it before it disappears, and no one claims responsibility.

Jokes aside, this special day among our many holidays has great significance. As you recall I had always dreamt of being a mother or a nun. When I became a mother on January 7, 2007, I wept, tears of joy! I now understood what all previous mothers had undergone through pregnancy and labor. A deep appreciation to all mothers came over me, to include our blessed Mother the Virgin Mary.

Here was this little human entrusted to me and my husband to cherish and raise to love and serve Christ. Although, my eldest was a bit exuberant, I decided to become a mother two more times. Therefore, God blessed me with what I refer to as a kid sandwich, a boy, a girl, and last another boy. And, from day one I took my motherhood very seriously. I didn’t quite puree everyone’s baby food, and each child’s temperament would sometimes seem like I picked a favorite, but I assure you I did not. Each child meant and still means the world to me. They were not simply mere children but images of Christ that I could not believe I had the honor of raising.

I envisioned my children as a spiritual investment, and I poured myself into raising them by staying home for 10 years. I was not a perfect mom, by no means!And, some days began to replicate a TV series titled Survivor. However, as the absence of one parent through deployments became a reality, I was more adamant to stay home. Many nights I slept on the floor as the three children would slowly roll me off the bed.

I remember staring at them as they slept and the moonlight shone through the blinds of the room, and thinking, Thank you, God, for this beautiful and splendid moment. As they slept, it was a small moment to realize the magnificence of each human person, the fruit of a mother’s daily labor, and the success of another day.

Fast forward 18 years later, we now prepare for prom, graduation, college, and adulthood. You’d think I would be expecting pursuits to become doctors or lawyers. But, I simply ask that they be kind, courageous, generous, and loving people to all. Moreover, I pray that I have given them all the tools they will need to spread the love of God. I ask the children to not be anxious in this anxious world, but to slow down and cherish each moment. Don’t forget to call your mom.

I love you, Josh, Elena, and Lincoln. Be good little children, always. Love, mom

By Isabel Anderson