As we rode along the winding route towards home, emotions stirred in anticipation of gatherings with family and friends. The joy of seeing loved ones and the sorrow of missing those who are no longer here. The poignancy of life’s fleeting nature enhances our appreciation of how precious the gift.
Remembrances of our mothers wove its way into the conversation. As he spoke about his mom I knew we had moved into a sacred realm. I received the blessing of bearing witness to a deeply meaningful testimony. He spoke of the existential vortex one experiences with the death of their mom. Thoughts such as, “did I measure up in the eyes of my mother? Am I the person she hoped I would be?” All the memories we cherish and the accompanying wisdom that flows from self-examination.
My sons are grown now with families of their own. We enjoy being a part of their lives and as they raise their children. We are experiencing the joys of childhood wonder, delight, laughter and tears, warm hugs and boundless energy fueled by curiosity and the excitement of a new discoveries at every turn.
The teenage years bring a new quest, one of self-discovery, of questioning, challenging and at times defiance as they try to find their way, a fragile time as they struggle for independence. We learn to give them space while honoring the transitions. We treasure the fleeting moments of connection when they open up to share their thoughts within the sacred realm of their world and our mutual discovery.
In our continual turning with the seasons of life, the extraneous begins to fall away. The faults we find in each other and in ourselves, the importance of who is right and who is wrong seem to lose power as pain and hurts fade into forgiveness.
What is left is our essence; a brilliance that is always there but obscure from our awareness until we remember that what matters is our love for one another.
Sending all good wishes on this Mother’s Day as we honor and celebrate all those who have offered us Love along life's journey.
Liz Sorensen Wessel
Pencil drawing by ~liz
Journal of Sacred Work 
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