"A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them."  Thank you, Victor Hugo...these few words of yours on the subject of mother, for this one man, capture my thoughts and feelings concerning a mother's rare and divine gifts.  Perhaps it is because I've been down with this B Flu for a whole week; that my lungs and chest hurt from all the coughing; that my head has been spinning like some carnival ride...and in this weakened state, more than ever, I wish my Mom were here, to nurse me to health, to provide me comfort and to make me feel "all better again."

My Mom was familiar and used many of the "old world" remedies she undoubtedly learned from her mother so many years ago.  Certainly, doctors were summoned when needed.  Yet for minor injuries and such, Doctor Mom went into action and it seemed, in no time at all, better health was secured.   A call to the church to have a priest come by was not out of the question either.  Such is the fate when you live across the street from your parish church and the clergy are personal friends of the family.  A flu or cold was reason enough to have a priest stop by and bless the laid up patient.   As a child, I had pneumonia twice; the second time sending me to the hospital.  Upon returning home, I was administered the anointing of the sick; my Mom gently, holding my hands while the priest placed the holy oils upon my feverish forehead.   My Dad was there, too...sitting by my bedside, silently reassuring, lovingly present.  And my eight sisters and brothers...they were all peeking in at the door, trying to assess what was going on and listening to anything that was said.  Such events really are family affairs!

Yes...it is times like these, when I feel so poorly, that my heart and aching body truly miss the loving comfort and tenderness that my Mom provided.  She made me feel good...just knowing she was near by helped ease my fears.  Today, I rely upon the fondest of memories to raise my spirit, to revive my soul, to bring health and healing to that which is ill.  

And there are also the blessings of faith and community...the graces received and the peace provided through Christ the Redeemer.  The beautiful people of St. Nicholas have been a tremendous source of strength, love and inspiration.  There is some thing most unique to St. Nicholas...it is hard to explain...it is not unlike the love, the gentleness and the patience shown by a Mom toward her children.  We treat one another with such fondness...it is family at its best!

Alice Walker wrote, "In search of my mother's garden, I found my own."  So true...in my life's journey which has taken me to many a different port, truly my garden does grow at St. Nicholas and the blooms are ever so vibrant and loving to behold.  Thank you, Mom, for all that you taught me...all that you shared and all the lessons learned.  I only hope that I can come close to following your example and being as loving a force as you were and in your memory, continue to be. 

To our beloved Moms at St. Nicholas...Happy Mother's Day.  May God bless and sustain you, fill your hearts with peace and comfort and grace you with many more joyful years.

Peace to all.

-Manny   

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