To All Mothers . . .

I used to think fancy dinners out or going to show or traveling was a nice occasional luxury.
Now, I think that painting my nails, long showers, or eating with everyone else is a real treat.

I used to think that self-sacrifice meant staying up until 11 or 12 to talk to a friend who was going through a hard time.
Now, I think that self-sacrifice is not having slept through the night in almost a year . . . and still thinking that every late-night "party" is worth the effort.

I used to think that mothers were sensitive to movie violence and to other people's tragedies because they were weak.
Now, I know that they are empathetic because they are strong and they feel others' pain as if it were their own to help bear.

I used to do laundry once a week, sometimes once every two weeks if I had extra sheets or towels.
Yeah, that was a long time ago . . .

I used to seek for verbal affirmation when I served others.
Now, hugs that smell like little boy sweat and dirty hands reaching towards me are a beautiful reward.

I used to have quiet time for prayer and meditation.
Now, I've learned to pray often amidst noise and while busy, because otherwise I wouldn't survive.

I used to think I was multi-tasking when I talked to someone while cooking.
Now, the only time I'm not multitasking is when I'm asleep . . . maybe.

I used to think my husband was wonderful because he bought me flowers or took me on a long drive through the mountains.
Now, I think my husband is wonderful because I couldn't live without him.

To all the mothers out there who can relate, I wish you a beautiful and blessed Mother's Day!  May Christ's Mother, Mary, intercede on your behalf that Christ may grant you strength when you're tired, peace when you're busy, and joy as she had in the presence of the Lord all of your days.

Image from: http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f61/christine_daae_Phantoms_Angel/victorian%20paintings/mother20and20child20full20and20colo.jpg