Sunday, May 11, 2014

Happy Mother's Day!



My sister sent me this beautiful old photo of my mother with my two brothers. Arun is a year old and Mohan, just 10 days old, as my mother writes. Seeing her handwriting after so many years brings tears to my eyes. My sister and I have not yet been born, but I love that from all eternity we've already been conceived in the mind of God. My mother is so young, so vulnerable, so beautiful. And she remained so until her death. I alternately ask her to pray for us, and offer prayers for her. And I look forward to the day when we can be together again in the company of all the other saints.

Mohan shared a beautiful memory with me: When you came home, it was and still is the most wonderful event that I remember. I remember examining your little fingers and toes. And yes, you really did wink. I begged Ai to let me hold you. She did and I was just amazed. From that day on, I wanted a baby girl of my very own - the wish has been granted. I have experienced a kind of joy twice: when you were an infant, I would stare at your face and hope that you would open your eyes. You smiled and I would fancy that you recognised me and I still believe it! Even now, when I come home I love to watch Anju's face just as she is waking up. It reminds me a lot about you. 

To all mothers, I wish you a beautiful and blessed Mother's Day, today and every day. May God grant you all the necessary graces. May you be cloaked in all the virtues of the Blessed Mother. I am so thankful Jesus gave us His holy Mother at the foot of the Cross.

8 comments:

Barbara Etlin said...

You look so much like her! Happy Mother's Day!

I'm thinking of my late mother a lot today, too.

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day! Today was also Good Shepherd Sunday, and we had the honor of Bishop Guigliamone celebrating our Mass and confirming the 8th graders at our parish.
The Bishop made the point that our mothers a are our first shepherds. They guide us toward the narrow gate and protect us from harm. I know you are doing a fine job shepherding your kids.
Thank God for mothers!

Leandra Wallace said...

That is such a beautiful pic. Mothers are so very influential, and there's nothing like their love. Happy Mother's Day to you!

Mirka Breen said...

You're one of the canonic mothers in my lexicon, Vijaya. Happy mother's day a day late...

Vijaya said...

Thank you Barb. We never stop missing our mothers, do we?

Gary, thank you. Mothering has been the greatest gift and challenge and I am always grateful for the good models around me.

Leandra, I'm more like my mother day after day.

Mirka, I look forward to that ... alas, I still have a hot temper.

Ruth Schiffmann said...

I was blessed to spend the day with my two daughters. Hope your day was just lovely, Vijaya.

Marcia said...

I love your brother's memory. And you do look so much like your mom!

Vijaya said...

Ruth, so lovely you got to spend this time together.

Marcia, I've loved having an older brother, and missed him terribly when we were apart. I love that I resemble my mother.