Mother's Day

Sunday night, Mother's Day 2005 ended as perfectly as the day. Everyone was home, all was right, and we went to bed content. Cathy, Aaron, and Patrick were wrapping up the day watching a new TV show-- Grey's Anatomy. Aaron was in love with Meredith.

Tonight we are closing a blessed day. Cathy, Patrick, and I spent the day in the embrace of Pat Whyte at her art gallery in Plain, WI Whytespace Art Gallery. So much compassion, fun, and laughs filled the day leaving no room for tears. Crying is good and running from the grief is dangerous. Honoring emotions enhances sanity. Today when emotions of sadness could be overpowering, goodness of so many people embraced Cathy.

I understand so well now what the priest, ten years ago, meant when he recognized Mother's Day with this simple statement "For those of you for whom Mother's Day is a happy occassion, have a beautiful day. For those who find this a difficult day, God bless you."

Cathy asked me tonight, "How can we be cursed and so blessed at the same time?" We agreed that we are not cursed, but only blessed. God didn't promise ever lasting life on earth. To have lost a child, we have at once had the child, and for that we are blessed. Aaron knows heaven. We have another son and Patrick is a pure blessing.

Mother's Day 2007 will end with Cathy honoring her emotions. Everyone is not home and there can be no perfect peace. Mother's across the country will feel the same emotions as they go to sleep tonight. Wherever your children are this evening, heaven or earth, we share the abundant gift of compassion and blessings we've been given with you.

Peace and sleep well,

Tom