Children Should Celebrate Moms Everyday, Not Just On Mother's Day!

Yesterday was Mother's Day and at my house we celebrated what a wonderful mother my wife, Kelley, is to her children. The day began with Mass at church and all mothers were called up front and prayed for. Then, we enjoyed a very special time together at home. As I closed my eyes on the day I couldn't help but to think that we should celebrate mothers every day of the year. Kelley has been a blessing to her children in ways that they won't fully realize until they have children of their own. It's truly wonderful to watch her in her role as a mother each and every day. 

I was able to speak to my own mother yesterday, who lives in Alaska with my Dad and is four hours behind the time zone I'm in. My mother, who is in her 80's, is an amazing photographer! On her Flickr account she showcases wonderful photos of Alaska.

Age certainly isn't slowing her down from grabbing her camera and capturing the magnificent sights of the largest U.S. state. It's the land of the last frontier, the land of the midnight sun, and the land of hearty Alaskan women who keep doing their hobbies no matter what age the calendar reflects! I've previously written in this blog about my Mom's photo playground, and I'm so pleased that after 67 years of marriage, raising seven children (now ages 56 to 66), and enduring some incredibly harsh winters since 1976 that she is still pressing the shutter!

As I thought about what wonderful mothers my wife and Mom are, I couldn't help but to think of Jesus Christ's mother -- Mary. God the Father sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to bring redemption to humanity. Jesus Christ didn’t just appear as an adult, or fall from the sky. He was born of a woman, and had a human mother. The archangel announced to Mary of Nazareth that she was "full of grace," and was chosen to be the Mother of Jesus, the Savior of humanity. It was Mary who first heard and believed in the glad tidings of the Savior’s arrival. Virginally conceived, Jesus was born surrounded by His mother's faith. Jesus honored Mary as His mother and showed her the love of a devoted son. With her maternal heart, she held a privileged place in His life and mission. Mary understood who Jesus was and what He was called to do. From the crib to the cross, from Pentecost to her Assumption, Mary loved her Son and faithfully served Him as her Savior and Lord.

Mother's Day is an opportunity for us to thank the woman who gave us life and to reflect on the unique role that mothers are called to play in the lives of their children and in the world. Yes, I believe that should be celebrated every day of the year!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past