A Gathering of Mothers — #1

A slow meander of what Mothers talk about when they get together in the garden?

Photo of Katie’s garden.

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I love it when mothers gather in my tiny garden. Sometimes we are sad. Often, we are full of joy. We chat and listen and worry…

And pray for our children.

My friend, Shirley, is the oldest (91). I’m 77, and we often wonder why we are still alive. She visits me often at 9 am to share her children's troubles and say the rosary. Sometimes I get impatient because I like to do my chores in the morning. I start the day with a rosary, so this is my second one, but the world is in such distress that we can’t pray enough. I’m trying to be more patient. There is no excuse for my selfashness.

Shirly says we are having tea with Mother Mary. I love how she lights up when she says the words.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Katie’s photo

My daughter is not Catholic, but when she comes to town, she loves to say the rosary with Shirley. Shirley talks about the Holy Family as if she knew them personally. I’m the only one in town she can share her worries with because she is very hard of hearing, and for most people, it’s just difficult.

My daughter has dedicated her life to working with residents with Alzheimer's. She’s amazing with people, in general, but loves her seniors. You likely guessed that she has patients to listen to Shirley.

My daughter brings the rosary that belonged to my aunt Jeanette. It is quite touching as my daughter does not go to any church.

This week, she brought the mother of her friend who is visiting from Mexico. Maria beamed and hugged me as she dug a pair of crystal earings from her bag. She had made them for me. It was like we were friends forever.

Tea with Mother Mary, my daughter, Maria, and me.

Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia; el Señor es contigo. Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús.

Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros, pecadores, ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amén.

Katie’s Photos

We chatted with ease. Maria served a beverage made with papaya and orange juice. A gentle breeze brought wiffs of my mock orange through the air.

What were our concerns?

I’m rather a bore because I’m always worried about the state of human behavior and conditions around the world. My 91-year-old friend shares my fixation, but with specific behaviors people must change.

She shared concerns about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's health. At 91, she is amazingly healthy. She and I do not take any medication. No high blood pressure or high blood sugar for us. But she is all muscle, and I am not.

I pray for my health because all my kids want me around for 20 more years. PRESSURE.

Maria and Shirley worry about their children’s relationships.

Besides various worries, we are all very grateful.

Mothers care most about their children, no matter how old their children are. They are always our babies — in our hearts.

Katie’s Photo

It is a tough world — always has been. I believe in the power of prayer, and when I say the rosary with my garden guests, I think of all the mothers saying the rosary at the same time all around the earth.

Blessing to you all.

What do you talk about when you gather?

Fathers are concerned too. I like Mark’s list of suggestions.

Advice from Mark Young:

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