A Mother’s Love

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.”

-Philippians 4:1

Date: 2/21/13

Insta-Lent Word: Love

Every Lenten season is a challenge for me–not just because of the things that I have to either let go or take on, but because somewhere during Lent I always have to take a moment during that journey to mourn. You see, my mother’s birthday was on February 24th. And the day her spirit left her earthly body was on February 25th. This back-to-back combination of dates always manages to line up neatly somewhere between or just around the outset of Lent.

Now you may find this hard to believe, but my mother was a character. She had this high, loud, beautiful laugh when she heard a good joke. She could make you feel loved, safe, and warm with just a look. She could destroy you with a simple phrase. She was an amazing singer and she passed her love of music and talents on to me.

One of the most important things that my mother did for me, however, was support me. She was always my biggest fan. She was the mom who yelled the loudest with her sign at a basketball game. She was the mom who drove me from practices, to rehearsals, to performances, and usually didn’t complain about it. I’d like to think that if she were still alive today that she’d be such a PFLAG mom.

During my senior year of college, I decided to enroll in a semester abroad program in London with my university. Money was tight, but my mother and I both made sacrifices so that I could enjoy this amazing experience abroad. Even with facing personal hardship, she was supportive of me and my education.

Before I left for London, my mother wrote me a note on her favorite heart-shaped pad that I have kept up until this day.

Querido Hijo Carlos (My dear son Carlos),

Que Dios te bendiga y proteja en todo lo que hagas. (May God bless you and protect you in all that you do.)

May all your dreams come true. I know that this trip is going to be a blessing in your life and the beginning of new pathways that will lead to success and victory. Money comes and goes but the memories, education, and satisfaction lasts forever. I am your first supporter and believer in God and in you!!

Keep up the good work. Never forget where blessing comes from and as I always say “Good things happen to good people.”

God Bless,

Mom

As I journey through this dark moment of wilderness during Lent, I hold fast to my mother’s love. She may no longer inhabit this earth in a physical body, but I feel her love, support, and guidance with me every day. And I know I am never truly alone.