May 6, 2014 WBAS Topics Prayer, WBAS Topics For Families, REL Seasons - Feast Days/Holidays, REL PD - Family Faith
By: Kathy Hendricks
She was the last one off the plane. In addition to the toddler she hoisted on one arm, the diaper bag thrown over the other, and the two large plastic bags she dragged behind her, she sported a backpack worthy of a trek up Everest. After setting down both baby and baggage, she proceeded to retrieve the stroller parts from the two bags. In addition to assembling it in quick order, she kept her little girl from wandering off by maintaining a bright stream of conversation. “Do you want water? Let’s put on your shoes. Do you want to face out so you can see everyone?” An offer of help from a nearby passenger was politely declined. “I am only halfway to my destination,” she said. Her final stop: Geneva, Switzerland!
My friend, Barbara, and I once swapped stories about the kind of strength and resilience our mothers must have shown during World War II. Her mother took in boarders in order to make ends meet. My mother arranged the rental of our family home and then took my two older sisters to St. Louis to stay with her parents while she went with my father and an infant son to Sacramento. This was after my father enlisted in the Army Air Corps without telling her first! We have lots of well-deserved monuments to the soldiers and sailors who fight in wars. Why not one for the mothers who hold things together back home?
I have a poster on my office wall of Dorothea Lange’s iconic photo, “Migrant Mother.” It takes a bit of close observation to note that, in addition to the two children burying their faces on either of her shoulders, there is also an infant nestled in her arms. She looks outward with resignation and quiet strength. Lange recounts how the mother – Florence Owens Thompson – told her about living on frozen vegetables from the fields and birds her children managed to kill. She had just sold the tires off the family car to buy food. I look at the photo every time I am tempted to bemoan my lack of amenities which, to Thompson, would have been absolute luxuries.
As Mother’s Day comes around again, I will cherish the sweet phone calls from both of my children. I will remember my mother and miss her warmth and hospitality. And I will pray for all mothers around the world who hold together family and nation with their courage, fortitude, and abundant love.
Bright Ideas
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Spend time reading about the life of Mary and her loving care for Jesus, and download activities for your class or family.
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Download my Prayer for Mothers, and use it in your parish or home.