Bittersweet

My stomach clenched when the mail came Tuesday. It contained something I'm in denial about and I wasn't happy being made to think about it. We received the first of what will be a barrage of mail and paperwork concerning my daughter Anna's senior year of high school. My little Anna, our youngest, has somehow grown up and here we stand at the beginning of a year of endings and last time evers. Sad stuff for a Mother's heart but tempered with a joy and wonder at the lovely young lady she's grown into.

Motherhood is a bittersweet dance and as I stand on the threshold of a bittersweet year I'm more and more thankful for the example of the Blessed Mother. One of the first things I noticed when I started praying the chaplet of Mary's 7 Sorrows are two of her sorrows are also two of her Joyful Mysteries, the Presentation at the temple with Simeon's revelations and finding Jesus in the temple after looking for 3 days. Perfect example of the joys and sorrows of motherhood. I suspect I will find myself clinging to Mary more than once in the coming year as we let go of our youngest child.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided.Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me.Amen. Blessings, Carolyn