A Totus Tuus Family: Mother's Day: Full or Worms, Dirt, and Love

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Mother's Day: Full or Worms, Dirt, and Love

I have fond memories of Mother's Day growing up. My mom never wanted gifts or special attention on Mother's Day. She preferred to remain hidden, to be last, to serve rather than be served. My mom loved being outdoors with sunshine on her shoulders and dirt running through her fingers. So every Mother's Day my dad would buy her flowers---not flowers for her dining room table that would last a week at best, but flowers to plant in the dirt that would last the entire growing season---and together they would plant them. When I was old enough, I joined in on the planting tradition, helping my dad to pick and plant the most beautiful flowers for my mom on Mother's Day. This tradition planted the truth in my heart that love is not about giving gifts, but rather about giving yourself. How thankful I am to God for giving me a mother who taught me such lessons and so many more. She is an amazing mother, truly a living saint, and I pray that God will help me to become even just half as holy and self-giving as her someday.

Here are my incredible parents...
Can't you just see their love and holiness radiating from their smiles?
I am blessed to be their daughter.

Shortly after Paul and I were married, I must have mentioned these fond Mother's Day memories with my husband, because he has continued the family tradition of planting and gardening on that day, much to my delight. So this Mother's Day my heart was full of thanksgiving, for it was filled with family togetherness and the gift of the men in my life giving of themselves to their very undeserving mother...