Moments of Grace ~ My Mother

I am joining the wonderful, new blog SUSCIPIO in Moments of Grace, a link-up sharing something from your week....taking "a moment to look back on your week and recall these glimpses of grace as they wove themselves into the flurry of your life."

A while back I wrote about how my Mother had joined the teaching staff here at Totus Tuus Academy. On "Teaching Thursdays" my delighted little girl gets her GrandDandy as her teacher for one-on-one grandparent attention.Yesterday was one of those Thursdays.

Here they are studying the Baltimore Catechism together. This Photo is a moment of grace for me and I am deeply touched seeing my mother share the faith with her grand-daughter, but also because my youngest son took this photo!  He was so happy and excited and I hope that I pass along my love of photography to him, maybe all of my children....like my Father did for me.

It also happened to be my mother's birthday! At a dinner out for the occasion, a few days ago,  each of us took turns around the table telling my mother the reasons why we love her. It's a family birthday tradition. When it came to my turn, part of what I said was in response to her telling me on my birthday how happy I had made her.  I returned to that, to let her know how happy she has made me. My mother gives and gives. Tirelessly. And all through my life she has made special moments and gave of herself to us unselfishly. All of her children share those happy memories and admiration. For me, all that she gave was so deeply satisfying that my happiness and contentment continue. Although I want to grow in many areas and improve, especially in faith, I don't have other preoccupations...things or experiences I need. A happy childhood without wants is what she and my father gave me. And I know I am lucky, blessed.

It is the realization of those graces and the beauty that emanates from this photo and the ones above that I hold close to my heart and cherish this week. God bless you, Mother, on your birthday and always!

My moments of Grace.