Week 272

Positive post Sunday, May 8, 2022- Week 272.

As I prepared to write my PPS this week, I decided to look back on what I wrote for Mother’s Day last year, May 9, 2021…. Week 220. As I read it, I was reminded of how blessed I have been to have the love and support of so many amazing mothers throughout my life, especially my mom, Dana Rendler. Below is an updated version of my May 9th PPS.

On this Mother’s Day, I chose to reflect on the Hail Mary, a prayer I have recited many times throughout my life. Taking the time to deeply think through the words has reminded me of how powerful and meaningful of a prayer it truly is. As I wish a very special Happy Mother’s Day to all moms (many tagged on this post), I’m reminded that as witnessed in the Hail Mary, our Heavenly Father is present with us through Mary the mother of God. It is my hope that we all have the same respect and love for our mothers as Jesus did for Mary. After all, for many of us, our mothers have guided us down the path to the Lord as well.

My thanks to the Lord for the moms in my life, both those I currently have the honor and privilege to continue to share my life with and those whom I have lost, all of whom have helped shape my life. I have and continue to be truly blessed to have the influence of their faith, love and support as a solid foundation throughout my life. I miss my grandmothers Nana and Mama Joe. May they be resting in peace and in comfort knowing that their love and sacrifices continue to be paid forward by generations of their family that have followed them. It’s very fitting that Nana’s name was Mary as she was the source of my strong faith!

To my mother (Louise): Mom, please accept my apologies for all the challenges I offered you in my youth. If it’s any consolation, your grandchildren and more recently, your great grandchildren are making sure I earn my parenting stripes as well (LOL). My appreciation for all you have done for me and my family continues to grow each and every day the good Lord honors me with your presence. It has been said that children don’t get to pick their parents, but if I could have, reflecting on the past 60+ years, I would have picked you and dad in a heartbeat. I’m just grateful and fortunate that the good Lord took care of that for me. Your faith, love of family and commitment to serve others and the community is the foundation of my Triangle of Life. I am grateful that by the grace of God, my growing family and I continue to have amazing role models like you in our lives.

To my wife Michele : You are an amazing mother and mommom. I, and our children and grandchildren, are so blessed to have your strong faith, love and sacrificial giving as pillars for our family. You are a true servant leader and have never compromised your values. It warms my heart when I see the positive influence you have had on our son, daughters and grandchildren as they all have grown over the years. There isn’t a day that goes by without one of our children or grandchildren seeking your advice or counsel. I, like I am sure they do, thank God for you each day. I hope you enjoy this special day.

To my daughters and daughter-in-law: With our recent arrival of Amelia (#12), ALL of you are mothers. I am so proud of each and every one of you. Although your experience as mothers is varied and often unique, one thing that is common and very visible is your love for your children, my grandchildren, and how you have placed them and their development at the center of your lives. It has been nothing short of amazing watching you grow as mothers. I pray for all of you regularly. As you continue your journey of motherhood, may you be guided by the Lord and strengthened by your faith.

To my one and only Aunt, Marjorie: Thank you for the positive influence you have had in my life. I have so many fond memories growing up (Hula dancing, going down the slide in Tarzana, riding dirt bikes in Yorba Linda, holidays in Woodcrest and the list goes on). I, and our entire family, continue to be blessed with your love.

How do you honor your mother and the mothers that have been inspirational in your life, whether they are still with you or with the Lord?

Mothers, how do you seek God’s guidance as you raise your children to be contributing members of society and faithful servants of the Lord?