The gift of daughters
March is an important month for me, as my daughter was the gift.
In past reflections last year from other Associates, the common theme of ageing and transition in life had been expressed in many ways and linked back to the spiritual calendar and Mary.
Last year for my husband and me had been an enormous transition …. declining health……the decision to move from our home to a retirement apartment……the diagnosis of both spectrum disorder and developmental delay in our dear 4-year-old grandson Kai………….and this year my dear friend Anne died after an extremely difficult illness. Losing her has left me quite lost as she was my ‘sister friend’ and there are very few people you meet in life that truly have such a gift of kindness and love that she had.
I have been at my lowest during these times.
Who has been a pivotal person in my change of attitude?? My daughter Conor and my daughter-in-law Mia. Their strength and support have been amazing.
How did they get so wise?
How did they know what I was feeling as I kept my thoughts and feelings close to my chest.
Is it a female thing?
Mary at the foot of the cross …. strong…. silent…. compassionate…. quietly present …knowing her strength of being there was all she could gift.
Mary Potter ‘dog determined’ to ensure that the Little Company of Mary encompassed women of compassion, care, love, and hope for all those who were sick or dying, through adversity, discrimination, illness, and personal crisis…… and was able to form an Order that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and encourage The Greater Company of Mary Associates and Affiliates in their daily lives.
I have talked about Mary Potter to both Conor and Mia…. Have they been inspired? I have explained that my life must include service to others to be of value and that presence to others with kindness, respect and love stems not only from Mary’s Calvary moment but also to the women who Mary Potter has inspired to continue her legacy of “being for others”.
Let us daily draw near to our Mother’s Heart to increase our own love
and then pour it forth upon others.’ (Mary Potter – Loves in the Heart of Mary)
