Joy

I love being a Mimi. Don’t get me wrong, I loved being a mom too.. but motherhood comes with so many other layers of mothering. So many pressures. Did I say the right thing? Do the right thing? Make the right decision? The best choice? So many pressures. Being a parent is one of the most critical vocations in the world, perhaps the most critical. Fr. Schmiga reminded us of this yesterday in his homily. The very future of our world depends on the raising up of our children. We do our very best and with the grace of God and his Holy Spirit these new humans make their way into the world. With hope and a lot of prayers. 

Their journey is not without challenges and we, the parents wait and patiently watch as they navigate. At the ready with a ride, or a helping hand, a home cooked meal and many many prayers. It is the most brutal journey to let go of the net, that safety net you have always held them with, sometimes too tightly. But release you must. Fortunately, a new net forms. A mutual net of love, compassion and empathy, understanding and hope. Hope life will be kind to them, their journey perhaps a little less torturous than yours. But there are of course no guarantees. Just when you think all might be lost you see these humans dig deep within, back to the core love you tried to instill, the most important lessons learned and they amaze you. 

Over and over again they amaze you with a firm foundation you prayed would take root. The very best of your hopes manifested. As a Mimi you get to witness their version of this journey. You see the lessons one patiently imparted impact the next generation. And it is the most incredible work of art. A beautiful new portrait being masterfully painted anew. Wonderfully crafted with great love and care, wisdom and grace. 

It is the most incredible blessing. To get to be a part of this is beyond words, inexpressible. The best way this blessing can be expressed is with joy and gratitude. Feelings that are so rooted in your being that they cannot be shaken by circumstance or passing trials. Knowing in your own story Gods grace carried you through the darkness of your own journey. The desperate nights, the worries and fears, he was right there as your safety net. Nothing lasts forever, especially life’s difficulties. Grounded in gratitude and joy we realize “In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 

 We know this because we have lived it. As a Mimi we know that all will be well.