mama, my friend and confidant

She's prayed with me in the wee hours of the night
She's hugged me and wiped my tears
She's given me advice and spoken words of wisdom
Her faith has carried me through
Her beliefs have challenged mine
Her life has been a living example to me
Oh mother of mine who feels my pain
Mother dearest who weeps and griefs with me
Mother who's empathy is beyond my understanding
May all who have an encounter with you
Know the love you give without reservation
May those who have none get to know mine
I pray for love as deep and passionate as yours for my child

I will never return to this place
My place of solitude and comfort
I have found a new place
It may not be as familiar
But it has become my home
My new normal
Forged out of necessity
Carved after much thought
This life is completely changed forever
That's the beauty of it though
This consistency in change

life and milestones

I just realized it is actually my birthday today. I always look forward to this day with much anticipation and reflection. Today, all I could think about was the fact that a month ago (28 days to be exact), God granted me the joy of experiencing childbirth. It is quite profound and I can not explain the amount of love that fills my heart when I look at my son.

I don't think anyone has ever made me want to just give all I have to make them happy in just a month. It made me wonder if that's how it is with God's love. So full and completely unmerited. I am humbled by the lessons I am being taught. How patient God must be! I am beginning to understand what it means to be long suffering.

Lord grant me the grace to accept the blessings you bestow on me, to be patient with the lessons you are teaching me, to utterly trust in Your plans for my life and help me to live in Your will.