By: Kate Mapes (Northwest TEC)
May is devoted to flowers, spring, and mothers. That took on a whole new meaning for me when I became a mother myself last year. It was a long, bumpy road to get to motherhood, and every Sunday I would look up at the statue of Mary on our church wall and ask her to be with me on my journey to motherhood. Mary has always been part of my faith; I was reminded of her every time I pray the Hail Mary. Now, I could relate to her as a peer on the motherhood level, instead of her always being on a pedestal and unreachable. She understood every emotion I had and experienced things I pray I never have to endure. Together, we waited, and in February 2020 my daughter Rachel was born.
I feel such joy by just looking at her, pride when she learns new skills, and cry over her in the early hours of the morning with emotions I don’t always understand. My 
mind knew what to expect from motherhood, but my heart had to experience it first-hand. That sounds a lot like working a TEC weekend. We know what will happen; we have a schedule! Living in the moment, experiencing Christ’s love again through each speaker and guiding new candidates-- it’s a lot like motherhood. We walk beside the candidates, and our own spirit grows as much as theirs does.
As I approach my second Mother’s Day, I appreciate my mother so much more. Everything I feel about my daughter, she feels about me; and I cannot thank her enough. Her love and support made me, and I will do the same for my daughter. When I lean on her and Mary, I know I can endure.
Soon we will crown Mary “Queen of Heaven,” and I will watch with new eyes as I celebrate our mother, my mother, myself.
Please join us in praying a Hail Mary for all mothers and mother figures today:
Hail Mary
Full of grace
The Lord is with thee
Blessed art thou amongst women
And blessed is the fruit of they womb, Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for us sinners
Now, and at the hour of our death
Amen!
