Happy Mother's Day

Blessings to all mothers and grandmothers, to new moms and those expecting a child, to single mothers and foster mothers and those who are “second mothers” in caring for children outside their own family circle.

There is a program titled “Called and Gifted” which helps people recognize their gifts from God and inspires them to put them to use for the Gospel. Mothers, of every age and circumstance, are called to this vocation of love by God,and gifted in countless ways to live it out, particularly in the “domestic Church” that is the home.

Google will tell you that there are some 2.2 billion mothers in the world, around 86 million in the U.S. But for each of us, the bond that begins in the womb with our mom is unique and touches the core of who we are and who we have become. I came across this reflection from some time ago, sent to me from a past president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the CountyClerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are you just a ....?” "Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a Mom." "We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation ... 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know; the words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as mypronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?" Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, “I have a continuing program ofresearch, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (the whole darned family), and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree)? And, I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction than justmoney."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I was now on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom." "Motherhood".....What a glorious career!

If you are a mother reading this: thank you for your tireless witness to God’s love throughout life. We also remember Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of God, this month. Pray the Rosary with renewed conviction; make a donation to a cause that assists mothers in difficult pregnancies; pray for mothers who have passed from this life and as possible, visit their final resting place. Do some unexpected kindness for your mom, or for another’s mom in your neighborhood or circle of friends. And, as I do each year in memory of my own mother, clean up your room. : )