SHINE ON

SHINE ON TO THE SINGLE MOTHERS ON MOTHER’S DAY

I never thought of my mom as a single mother but, objectively, she was. My parents divorced when I was nine. From then on, it was just my older sister, my younger brother and me living at home with Mom. Maybe it was because Dad was still around and we saw him often, or maybe it was because we were little kids and didn’t really think about it, but it never occurred to me that my mom was, by definition, a single mother.

My parents divorced in April of 1994. I wonder what Mom’s Mother’s Day, just a month later, was like?

Now that I’m a dad with kids around the same age my siblings and I were when my parents divorced, I realize the important role Dad often plays in making it a great Mother’s Day. I ensure the kids make cards, help them buy gifts and plan a special day for Mom. Without me, I’m not even sure they’d remember to say, “Happy Mother’s Day.” I don’t remember Mother’s Days growing up, which means we probably didn’t do a great job. And all mothers deserve a great Mother’s Day.

I wonder if Mary ever thought about being a single mom. We know from scripture that St. Joseph, upon hearing Mary was pregnant, planned to divorce her quietly. These plans were derailed by the visit of an angel in a dream, but there are quite a few details we don’t know.

Did Mary know Joseph was planning to divorce her quietly? How much time passed between hearing the news that Mary was pregnant, deciding he was going to divorce her and the visit from the angel? We don’t know. But I wonder if Mary had a few hours, a few days or maybe even a few weeks when she prayed fervently, “Lord, show me the way.”

I wonder how many single mothers have prayed those same words, alone some nights trying to figure out how to make life work. Part of why I love reading scripture is how practical it is. I know some people fall in love with exegesis and the theology and the deeper hidden meanings, but I’ve always found myself most moved by the practical realities scripture lays so bare. One of those practical realities, which we see lived out between Jesus and Mary, is just how important a mother is in the life of her children.

On Mother’s Day, we weren’t great about making breakfast in bed, writing cards or buying gifts. My older sister probably did more than I ever knew, as she often took on the responsibilities of small, but important tasks like filling Mom’s stocking at Christmas. But one thing I do remember is how often Mom would tell us she never needed presents. A handwritten note would do just fine.

To all the single mothers out there whose kids never quite get Mother’s Day right, and to my own mother, I have just a few things I’d like to say:

We love you. We wouldn’t have gotten very far in life without you. You taught us how to persevere and endure. We’re proud of you and we admire you. Thank you for never letting us settle for less than the person you dreamed we’d become. Thank you for your hard work and your sacrifice. Thank you for making life great for us when it wasn’t always great for you. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for doing the hard things alone. We’re sorry for all the Mother’s Days when we didn’t get it quite right. We love you and we pray that you will always know that.

And to all the mothers who radiate Christ’s love to their children, Happy Mother’s Day!

DOMINICK ALBANO

is the director of digital engagement for The Catholic Telegraph, as well as an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and have four sons.

THE BEAUTY OF ADOPTION

When a woman is in a crisis pregnancy, there are many reasons why it is very difficult to see adoption as a viable option. Choosing to continue the pregnancy, letting everyone know you are pregnant, going through childbirth and saying goodbye to the baby at the end of that journey takes a heroic amount of courage and love.

This month we focus on beautiful stories of adoption from different perspectives. Through them, we can hopefully gain a better perspective of the beauty and courage behind the choice to give a child up for adoption, and how we can support those who most need our help.

Listen to this month’s podcasts on each of these topics at being-pro-life.buzzsprout.com.

• May 4: Sheryl, an adoption professional, discusses adoption

• May 11: Monica, who placed her child for adoption, shares her story

• May 18: Elaine, an adopted child, reconnected with her birth mother in adulthood

• May 25: Mike and Caitlin, an adoptive family, on raising adopted kids

BOB WURZELBACHER is the director of the Office for Respect Life Ministries. He and his wife, Cindy, live in Sharonville with their two young daughters. MARICRIS DIZON, IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH, ANDERSON TOWNSHIP Mom, thanks for teaching me how to suffer well... When I was laid off from a job, I was devastated. When I told her what happened, she cried for me, but not because I was unemployed! Rather because she was so happy God blessed me with this cross. She said, “It’s such a blessing to be called to endure this hardship and losing this job is a gift!” She was right. Mom, thank you for teaching me who to turn to first…I went to a Catholic school, and I remember being told as I was dropped off every morning that I needed to stop by the Blessed Sacrament chapel before I played with the other kids. “Say hi to Jesus!” With every victory and every challenge I brought to my parents, Mom wanted to make sure I had gone to Jesus first. This habit became a part of my life and I found myself going to adoration throughout college and well into my adult years. Every dilemma, decision, victory and moment of relief, I learned to share with Jesus first. She was right. Mom, thank you for this and so much more.

JEAN BUELTERMAN, CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. PETER IN CHAINS, CINCINNATI My mom, Dorothy Buelterman, was a perfect role model for her three daughters. While I was growing up, she was the mom who helped out at school and held the office of president of the Ladies Society at church. She made sure we attended Mass, even though I would sit on the kneeler and play with people’s shoes! I remember how proud she was at my First Communion and at different school events. She made sure I did my homework and knew every catechism answer, too. She and Dad made a home for us that was seemingly perfect. She was a great cook and could bake a pie that could win prizes. However, she became a single parent after my dad died too young. She worked very hard to provide a home for us. There was not a one person who, after meeting her, didn’t say what an awesome person she was. She left me with many life lessons well learned.

jaimestreeservice.com • treeserviceoh@gmail.com • 513.372.5194

free estimates fully insured

JAIME’S TREE SERVICE

Tree removals, hazardous removals, expert pruning, stump grinding, land or lot clearing, emergency and storm damage clean up. $50 off

tree trimming or removal $10 off

stump grinding