To My Mom, On Her Birthday

While much of the country-rightly-mourns today for those who died on 9-11-2001, this date will always be one of mixed emotions for me.  I can never forget that fateful day, but I also cannot forget the birth of the most important woman in my life, my mom.  Today is especially memorable as it is her 70th birthday.  That is a little difficult for my to comprehend, since in my mind she will always be in her 40s.  Here is a little reflection on what she means to me.

My mom gave me life.  I know that might sound obvious, but there is more to it.  I am, of course, eternally grateful for her giving birth to me, an act I can never repay.  What most people do not know is that if my mom had been any less of a woman, I might not be here.  The first doctor she went to said that she was too old to have a baby and to abort the pregnancy.  My mom was aghast and angry.  My dad was too, and I am sure said some things to make the doctor know how he felt.  Somehow they had found the doctor in the church bulletin, so of course they told the pastor and immediately the advertisement was taken out.  Of course my mom would never have thought of ending my life, but that she made such a stand has always impressed upon me the importance of ending the scourge of abortion.  In more ways than one, she gave me life.

My mom is the reason why I am where I am.  My dad has been a great encouragement, and has embraced the Catholic faith, but ultimately my faith comes from my mom.  Again, few people know that my mom was in the convent.  At the time she thought it would be what would bring her closest to God.  Thankfully, at least for the sake of myself and brothers and sister, she discerned a calling to the married life.  I have a sneaking suspicion that part of that discernment was a promise to pray for a child who would serve at the altar of God.  I know from a young age my mom prayed for me.  It took 30 years, but those prayers paid off.  In many ways, she is my St. Monica.

My mom is a completely selfless giver.  I have never been of want for anything thanks to my parents.  They have always put us first.  My mom quit her job to become a full-time homemaker, the most difficult job anyone can have, as soon as she had her first boy.  Ever since then, she has always been there for us.  I knew growing up that I was one of the luckiest children at school because I knew my mom would be there for me if I needed her in any way.

My mom is my teacher.  From the beginning she pushed me to be the best I could be.  Always challenging me but at the same time supporting me.  Thanks to her, I had a huge head start being one of the few children in kindergarten who could already read.  It has been that way ever since.  Even today, with my dad she is my primary editor, the first person I go to when I need help.  She is even the reason why I love baseball and dinosaurs so much.

My mom makes it easy for me to love Mary, Our Mother.  The love she has for her children echoes that of Our Mother.  The total self-giving the same.  In so many ways, when I look at one, I see the other.  That is why it is so fitting for me that their birthdays are only three days apart.

I could go on, but words escape me.  Needless to say I am the luckiest son.  I love you, Mom.