Few things invigorate me more than opening the windows on a spring morning. Amid the sight of birds nesting, bees pollinating and lawn mowers humming, the clarion call to get to work rings loud and clear.
I suspect this annual burst of energy may be rooted in childhood memories of spring cleaning that was almost sacred to my mother. As recruits to the annual ritual, my sisters and brother, armed with buckets, squeegees and furniture polish, were instructed to remove every speck of dirt that somehow escaped the weekly cleaning that took place on Fridays.
Having coerced my brother into helping her turn and vacuum mattresses, my mother would assign my sisters and me to the kitchen where we would wash and dry the “good dishes,” used only on special occasions.
After adding a fresh look to the inside of our kitchen cabinets, replacing old shelf paper with newly purchased paper lining, we would await the approval of my mother.
Although the term “domestic engineer” had yet to be coined, it would definitely be an appropriate title for my mother. More important than any title, my mother took housekeeping seriously, and in the process taught us the importance of doing seemingly insignificant tasks well. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me through the years, despite the advent of modern conveniences.
More than yearning for old ways that required more time and energy, remembering the loving attention that my mother gave to every detail is what I treasure most. Whether watching her knead dough that would later fill the house with the amazing aroma of freshly baked bread, waiting impatiently as she put the finishing touches on a dress that she was making for me, or helping her plant and weed the vegetable garden that graced our backyard, my mother’s example had a positive influence on my becoming the person I am today.
Although she is no longer physically with us, I often feel her presence, and perhaps no more so than on Mother’s Day.
I admit that as a child, and even as an adult, I didn’t always appreciate all that she tried to teach me, or even the person that she was. And yet, there are times when I say or do something that is clearly reminiscent of her, reminding me of the many ways that she continues to form me.
In many ways, my mother and I are as different as day and night and yet, one of the greatest things she has passed on to me is my faith. I recall accompanying her to church on Friday evenings for weekly devotions to our Sorrowful Mother. At the time, I couldn’t have known how those memories would linger and impact my life decades later.
Perhaps the one regret I have is that I didn’t take the time when she was alive to let her know how truly thankful I am for her presence in my life. Fortunately, as part of the Communion of Saints, she is still with me and so it’s never too late for me to say a prayer of thanksgiving to her and for her.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, may we all take a few moments to remember and thank our mother for life — our most precious gift. While not everyone has been blessed with a mother who is the source of happy memories, we have all been given the Blessed Mother to whom we can turn for comfort.
During May, the Church pays special tribute to our heavenly mother who sacrificed so much for her Son and for her children. Although she is in heaven, her heart continues to remain with her children on Earth, a fact that is evidenced by her many apparitions, one of which is celebrated on May 13 in commemoration of her appearances at Fatima.
In a world where human life is deemed disposable by many and where motherhood is often undervalued, let us continue to pray that one day life and motherhood will be regarded as so sacred a gift that abortion will be unreconcilable, not only with the law of our land, but with the heart of every man and woman.
May we make a special effort this month to turn to Mary to learn what it means to be a holy mother and to be obedient children of God and faithful disciples of her Son. And so we pray, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!”
Barbara Hughes is an author, retreat facilitator and spiritual guide. She lives in Virginia Beach and can be reached at [email protected].