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Why Can't I Have a Flower on Mother's Day?

A Question Finally Answered

By Julie Watson

The end of mass drew near. Somehow Father got all the way through the sermon without even mentioning Mother's Day. However, I knew by now that the dreaded moment had arrived. As our priest approached the podium I picked up a copy of our church's announcement listings. Geez! Even inside of this I couldn't get a break! There in big bold letters at the top of the page read "Happy Mother's Day!"

I tried not to concentrate on what the pastor was saying, but his words rang in my ears nevertheless: "Today we honor our mothers. Those who have given of their time and love to make us better people. For those of you who are mothers, you know how hard it is to maintain that special balance of patience, persistence and unconditional love. At this time I'd like to recognize all of these women by having them stand. So women, whether it be that you are first time mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, or you who will be mothers – including those in our congregation who are currently pregnant or those who so desperately want to be a mother, but are finding it a bit difficult to become one – please stand up and be recognized for your efforts. Please also don't forget to take a flower as you leave today." Wait a minute! Did he say, "Those who WANT to be mothers?" He couldn't have said that! Did I imagine it? But just then, my husband nudged me..."Honey, stand up!"

I slowly and hesitantly did. It felt so awkward and weird. Could people tell? I was almost embarrassed to do so. After all, where was my child? Wait a minute, I thought...no one knows that we're having problems or knows that I' m not pregnant. Upon rising, however, I felt a genuine warmth come over me. I was finally getting some sort of recognition for our efforts. (Even though we hadn't quite attained our goal, yet.) I suddenly realized that trying to become a mother had taken a lot more on our part than a majority of the other women who were standing. I also realized that, because of this trial, my husband and I had grown and would be better parents someday, than if we hadn't gone through this ordeal. Through all of our waiting, we had grown. We had gained a higher level of patience. We had learned to endure as a couple through the hardest times. We had learned to accept those things over which we had no control. Perhaps most of all, we had grown closer to God – together. An unexpected smile appeared on my face. I do deserve this, I realized. I will not only be a mother someday, but a very good mother at that!