The month of May is filled with celebrations, special moments for families, Mother’s Day, First Communions, Confirmations, Graduations, Memorial Day.
Mother’s Day. It was the death of her own mother in 1905, that prompted Ann Jarvis of West Virginia to honor the sacrifices her mother and all mothers make for their families. In 1914, Congress passed a resolution and President Woodrow Wilson signed it, establishing the official national holiday.
Interesting that Ann Jarvis’ mother died in 1905. My maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Cannon Hayes, delivered my mother, Elizabeth Cecilia Hayes on April 24, 1906, and my grandmother died ten days later. My mother never knew her mother. My Grandmother Hayes died at home. Death certificates were not required in the City of St. Louis until 1910. I often wonder what the cause of death was. My mother was my grandmother’s third child, so actually at ages four (Nellie), and two (Anna), and my mom Elizabeth (ten days), none of them knew their mother. Their maternal Grandmother Elizabeth also took them in. My grandfather – their dad, Patrick Hayes (immigrant from Ireland) – took a room at a nearby boarding house and would visit the children on weekends which, I think, included a visit to nearby Hyde Park with a stop for ice cream cones. My mother was very fond of her grandmother. I grew up with lots of stories about “Gram.” I was always intrigued that while my mother never knew her own mother, she was a wonderful mother and grandmother.
Gratitude fills our hearts in thanksgiving for the love and faithfulness our mothers shared with us and/or continue to share. And for all the women in our lives who shared their gifts of love and attention with us.
The month of May draws many families to church, celebrating the joy and wonder of young children receiving their First Holy Communion; their beauty, their joy, their wonder, and confidence in embracing and welcoming Jesus into their hearts. May we share in that wonder, awe, and joy of our first communicants. Families also gather in church this month to support and cheer on our teens choosing to be confirmed, choosing to continue to walk in the ways of faith. We are grateful for their choosing and pledge to walk with them in joy, gratitude, and love.
Graduations. From kindergarten to graduate school, let the mortar boards fly! Beginning new chapters, stepping into new adventures. We are proud of all you have accomplished thus and all that will be in your future.
“For all that has been — Thanks. For all that is to come — Yes!”
~ Dag Hammarskjold, Former UN Secretary General)
On a more somber note, with gratitude and love, we gather at our national cemeteries to remember and honor the many men and woman who gave their lives to protect not only our U.S. democracy but the democracy of many nations. May their lives not have been in vain. In their memory and in their honor, may we walk forward together in gratitude, hope, and love steadfast in courage, truth, and peace. Together, we will resist the ongoing attacks on our democracy by the current presidential administration.
Happy month of May! Enjoy the flowers a bloomin’.
Bridget
The Annunciation Blog 