Edwin Learns the Rosary

May is the month consecrated to our Blessed Mother. My son, Edwin has been learning the Hail Mary at school. He and his classmates received a rosary to pray at home for more reinforcement. You should have seen the excitement on his face when he showed me his brand new rosary!

I first started praying the rosary with my mother when I was 3 years old. My Mom is a very devout and strong catholic with a devotion to Mary. I would watch her recite the rosary every night after doing the dishes. She looked like she was praying so hard for something.

We started a family tradition of praying the rosary together every Sunday night. I must admit that as a young teenager, I was not too excited about that. As I got older, I learned to appreciate and love this devotion.

My appreciation did not begin until a close friend of mine passed away. I prayed the rosary every night so that his soul would rest in peace. I prayed for his family and friends who were left to mourn his loss. I , too, felt comfort in this devotion. I learned to see Mary as my mother in heaven, here to watch over us and intercede on our behalf.

I still pray the rosary every night, usually after I put the kids to bed. Recently, Edwin asked me, "Can we pray the rosary together, Mama?" We started saying a decade together everyday. Sometimes, I'll forget , but he'll remind me. He's already learned the Glory Be. We just have to work on the Apostles Creed (Uh- oh, very long).

It's exciting for me to see the seeds of this devotion growing in Edwin. I've shared stories/photos of my trips to Guadalupe and to Lourdes with him. He asked me, "Can you take me there, Mama?"

I hope I can continue to nurture this devotion to our Blessed Mother in both of my sons. That is the prayer I ask for when I say my rosary.

Thoughts on Anger

My friend, Judy, sent me a quote by Gandhi, "When a man gives way to anger, he only harms himself."
I thought about situations in my life where I just got so angry. Irregardless of whether the anger was justified, it did not bring me any sense of peace. It did not change the person to whom I was angry with. If anything, it brought about a strained relationship. This, unfortunately, permeates everything. People choose sides.

It is amazing how one's words can be so harmful and hurtful. One thing I've realized, is that you're never too old to hurt someone. On the flip side, you're never too old to apologize. You're never too old to learn to be more Christlike in one's actions.

I wrote this quote down on a piece of paper that sits on my desk, and I've committed it to memory, too. I was able to avoid some confrontations a few weeks ago, but unfortunately, not all. I'm definitely not perfect, too old to apologize, or to turn the other cheek.

That's the beauty of having an open mind. It's something we all need.