A reflection shared from parishioner and friend, Sandy Spencer.
Sandy spent 25 years as a Missionary in Guatemala.
Friends, this is a Mother’s Day story.
This story comes back to my memory because it is Mother’s Day. With a special heart, mothers come to know that community and belonging are a right for every human being. The nurturing, life-giving quality of LOVE is not biologically, nationally, or racially determined. Mothers know this from their hearts.
This Mother’s Day, I go back in memory to Guatemala. I remember Bonifacio Coz. He was five months old when his tuberculous grandfather hobbled into the clinic with him. Bonifacio’s mother died – maybe a week before. The father was in the army.
Boni weighed 3½ pounds. He did not look human. The fight for life in this little person was incredible. Every two hours, 1½ ounces of milk – after every feeding – vomiting – diarrhea.
And yet – he lived.
A young Indian mother whose own child was very ill was watching Bonifacio. After two days she said,“That little boy is hungry for more than milk from a bottle. He needs to feel a heart that beats with his own.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to give him my own breast to feed from; I want his hand to feel my heart. I want to carry him in my shawl so he learns how to live as we humans do. I have enough milk and enough love for many.”
No questions asked.
I remember how Bonifacio grew in weight in response. He was visibly healing. One day, around one year of age, this small boy – laughed. He had beheld his mother. This mother had taken this child into her own heart-home. And Bonifacio moved into the Parish orphanage where he continued to be nurtured and cared for; educated and raised.
Blessings to all Mothers who have given life, nourished and supported life unto the third and fourth generations. Our gratitude, prayer, and love.
Whether we are biological Mothers, adoptive Mothers, or Mothers in spirit, may we have the generous heart of this Mother who embraced and nurtured Bonifacio.
Sometimes, just a smile can touch a heart that needs nurturing.
Bridget
The Annunciation Blog 
Bridget,
Thank you for sharing this very warm and touching story. The thought that comes to mind is that many stories like this happen every day here on earth that we’ll never know, however in heaven we will come to know all people and their stories as well as our own. Truly something to look forward to. I hope you had a blessed Mothers Day yesterday.
Gratefully, Mary Lou
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