Today is my father George’s birthday. Will you pause and say a Hail Mary for him?
I’ll wait.
Also? If you’re not Catholic, you don’t have to say a Hail Mary.☺ I just chose that prayer because of its ending line: Pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
My dad and mom are 89.
Every day with them is a gift.
And really, none of us know the day or the hour that God will call us from this world. When I think about who I used to be…and what I put my parents through…
Yikes! I’m humbled, really. I have such gunk in my past life.
(I’m convinced my parents prayed me through.)
Now it’s my turn to pray them through. My mother, especially, doesn’t have much memory left. At least, I don’t think she does; she is very quiet and I can only guess what’s in her heart. On the outside, we see a very small and feeble woman who has to cling to my father when they go out.
My dad’s a go-getter. It’s so hard for him to see his beloved wife like this.
Last night I dreamt that I was back home with my parents. I was standing at the sink doing dishes with Jessica, but what I wanted to do was go smoke some pot. [Insert reference to past life here] In the dream, my brother had some in his bedroom; I went and got it, then forgot it was in my hand as I stood talking to my parents. [Insert reference to current Mom Brain here]
Wow. Talk about the stuff in my subconscious!
Jessica would not have approved.
Anyway, clearly I’ve changed a bit since then. Clearly I’ve grown up…a bit! And yet, sometimes I am tempted to point a finger for all the obnoxious mistakes I made. I am tempted to say, “Well, if my parents had been more ‘this’ or more ‘that’…”
That’s just crazy. We are all of us sinners. We have all made mistakes.
It is better to move forward in faith and with hope, and to realize that we have the power to change who we were. We have the grace that we need to heal and grow: grace for our families, grace to intercede.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
"For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Amen, amen. Motivation to live a life full of grace, which is (d*mn) difficult these days. We need to pray for each other. And I'll add your mom and dad in there. May they have peace.
Happy Birthday to your pops! Prayers also.
I can relate with "wish my parents would have done this or that" then I maybe wouldn't have done what I did. I am thankful I have healed and moved on. THANKFUL…nothing REALLY major happened in my youth…but still.
Love the dream. My dream last night was my oldest son who is going to prom would not let me take any pictures…aaaaaahhhh! I need pictures!!
Your parents are blessed to have each other.
I can not tell you how I so very much enjoyed reading your post, and for so many reasons. My father passed away four months ago at just 59 years of age after a very lengthy illness. I love to read about people who treasure their parents and understand what a gift they are to have around…just as you wrote.
I also have a fourteen-year-old who is challenging us in ways I never thought possible. We have simply run out of "punishment" and are letting the natural consequences take a toll. I have prayed more in the past year over this than I ever thought possible…and have often wondered if that was God's plan…to use my son to draw me closer to Him. I find it so comforting that you challenged your parents as well and that you believe they prayed you through. I feel that is all I can do right now, and I take great comfort in knowing that you turned out so well!
Ah, Margaret! What sweet looking parents you have! Prayers for them for sure. And for your heart as I'm sure it is so difficult to see them age. Trying our darndest with God's grace as we battle our own weaknesses and difficulties, and asking God to make up for where we are lacking. Keep fighting the good fight, beautiful! So grateful we have God on our side! You are an inspiration!
Beautiful, heartfelt words…thank you.
It's a joy to say a Hail Mary for your father. And thank you for this post, for the inspiration and courage you share with us. It makes a difference out here.
Praying for your dad and your beautiful momma as well. And yes, thanks for this post. I really love this line . . "It is better to move forward in faith and with hope, and to realize that we have the power to change who we were. We have the grace that we need to heal and grow: grace for our families, grace to intercede."
I offered my Mass for your father!! How's that? Happy birthday to him and God bless him and your mama. And you too, since I'm giving blessings away!
Love your heart.
Praying for your parents. They look so sweet together.
With my parents at 91 and 85 I can see many parallels. My dad at 91 is in pretty good shape, though he will be having surgery in the near future for kidney stones, prostate and a hydrocele. But in the past 18 years, my mom has had three hip replacements, two back surgeries, her bottom jaw rebuilt, a surgery to tack up her and her final triumph, open heart surgery. It is so heart breaking to see our parents, who have always been so strong, start to fail.
We are so blessed at our age to still have our parents. Hugs to you too.