Mother's Day 2007

I am writing this two weeks later as I have been so busy, I have not had time to write.
I was asked to preside at the Roman Catholic faith community where I have worshiped for 10 years since coming to Chicago.

I asked everyone to bring a photo or a memento from a person who had "mothered you" Our liturgy starts at 9:15 and is to end by 10:30 because the Lutheran's must have the space for their service at 11. the sharing of the love given was so "filled with the Word of God" that at 10:20 I looked at my watch for the first time and thought "oh we are in trouble." We blessed the bread and wine and left with the joy of the stories to fill our hearts the rest of the day. I want to list for you the "qualities of love from mothers" For me theologically, the feminine characteristics of God:

Humor, patience, unconditional love, nurturing, cares to the point of worrying for me, blessed, availability, untiring, listening, boundaries, crying, wisdom, good food, clean house, empowering, courage, counselor, strength, creative in meeting, challenges faced and overcome.

I will let you sit with these characteristics and ponder the feminine of God, the Mother God you know.

After a friend and I, "Thank you Terri for the suggestion," picked up excellent carry out food and sat at her dining room table which overlooks Lake Michigan across Loyola Park. We enjoyed the sun on the blue water from the warmth of her apartment. It was sunny and bright and cool.

After I returned to my apartment and felt "loneliness" my children and grandchildren in Florida. Lisa my daughter had sent roses in both her and Jason's names. I thought, "I am feeling hurt inside, I need to nurture life." I went to a garden shop near us and bought annuals. I spent the afternoon potting plants, not many in number but the red geraniums, impatience, and petunias lifted my heart and spirits. They sit on my front steps and on the small back porch. I bought one tomato plant and put it in the largest pot I have. I will see how it grows.

Before long the day was done and looking back it was a good day for my first Mother's Day alone. I remembered each of my children as babies and how I loved them then, and how I hold them in my heart and prayers now as adults. Being a mother never changes, my daughter with her own children and my son the injured warrior starting life anew. Each life precious; each life a miracle of God's creation. May they continue to "bloom where they are planted" all of their lives, in peace and happiness.