For Christmas of 2018, a dear friend of mine gave me a book called “A Catholic Woman’s Book of Days,” by Amy Welborn. While I have received similar gifts over the years, I was determined in 2019 to consistently read the daily scripture, reflection, and meditation offered. Over the past year, I came to admire the author, a woman of faith and a working mom, and even found myself saddened when I finished my spiritual journey with her daily reflections. I felt a connection to her; she understood what it means to be a working mother, to balance and juggle all the joys of parenthood and daily living while maintaining your own sense of self and purpose.
I have been blessed with two of God’s greatest gifts to me: my sons. Connor, my oldest, graduated from Carroll College and my youngest, Kyle, will graduate from the University of Portland this coming May. As a working mom I was hard on myself, always feeling as if I didn’t do enough. I couldn’t volunteer or pick them up after school, where I would miss those important conversations about their days. Missing any of their sporting events was heart-wrenching for me.
However, what I have learned over the years, and was reminded of while reading this book, is that I was never alone and I did not fail my children. What mattered was that God strengthened me and gave me other gifts to share with my sons to help them grow into the amazing men they are today. The unconditional love my children have shown me has taught me to love selflessly, to laugh, to learn, and to enjoy all the graces that come with life and being a parent. Life can be difficult, and we all have our own flaws as human beings. But I also know that through the grace of God and prayer, I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
