Family Story Telling

A Letter to my Kids on Mother’s Day

May 6, 2016 | 0 comments

“I am the most fascinating woman in the world!”

My life does not seem very interesting to you, but I have had adventures! I have lived in three countries, travelled to seven countries, lived all over the United States, gained degrees, written books, provided for myself, had more jobs than I can’t count (several careers) and fallen in love! All of this pales compared to the adventure of being your mom.

I didn’t think I would be able to have any children, so each one of you is a gift beyond measure. I truly believe that all my past exciting experiences were just preparation for the amazing ride of motherhood. I never knew I could feel such joy, pride or love. I also didn’t know I could experience such fear, doubt and even anger.

Until I survived sixty-six hours of labor and nights awake with a colicky baby, I didn’t know how strong I really was. Weeks that stretched into months and years on my knees (in prayer) taught me humility and a trust in God I had never experienced. Researching my children’s medical issues and neurological issues gave me knowledge, insight and compassion beyond my own understanding. Watching each of you grow and mature provided me with a wonder and awe of God!

My life probably looks kind of boring to you and you may even believe my past experiences are just metaphors, but the roller coaster of being ‘mom’ has been quite a ride. What looks like boredom is a peace in trusting God, a calm over my soul knowing that He loves you even more than I do. Inside I feel bigger than a giant, stronger than a lion and maybe just a little tired. This beautiful, exhausting, frightening and empowering journey has been the most thrilling experience of my life. The things I have learned, seen and felt have make me feel like a fascinating person. It just doesn’t always show on the outside.

I can find lost items, fix any injury, read/edit college papers, soothe broken hearts, support school and career decisions, help you start businesses etc. all while working more than one job, having a strong relationship with my husband, and all on very little sleep! I’m practically a superhero!

There have been sacrifices; I could have gone on trips and pursued my own interests. I could have driven fancy cars or taken jobs that would challenge me. Motherhood is worth every sacrifice. It is worth giving up some of my interests to help you pursue yours. No job (or dream of my own) could give me the pride, joy and fulfillment that I feel seeing you accomplish one of your dreams. I don’t mind being in the background, it is a lesson in true love.

 

“Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love.”

St. Francis of Assisi

 

I have always believed that the Litany of Humility is the prayer of parents:

 

 amazing-mother2

Litany of Humility

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved…
From the desire of being extolled …
From the desire of being honored …
From the desire of being praised …
From the desire of being preferred to others…
From the desire of being consulted …
From the desire of being approved …
From the fear of being humiliated …
From the fear of being despised…
From the fear of suffering rebukes …
From the fear of being calumniated …
From the fear of being forgotten …
From the fear of being ridiculed …
From the fear of being wronged …
From the fear of being suspected …

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I …
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease …
That others may be chosen and I set aside …
That others may be praised and I unnoticed …
That others may be preferred to me in everything…
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930),
Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X

 

One more thing; being your mom made me brave! Brave enough to pursue more education and write more books. It gave me stories to share in my columns and at national speaking events. So, while I thought I was put my dreams in the back of my mind, raising you gave me new talents, new dreams and the strength to pursue them. Thank you for that gift!

I wouldn’t trade a second of it, nor would I have missed out on any one of you. Thanks for the greatest journey ever and thank you for making me the most fascinating women in the world! I love you!

Love,
Mom

by Mary Lou Rosien

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