As Mother’s Day approaches, reflect on the blessings and diverse manifestations of Mothers in our lives. Earth Mother, Mother Mary, Sophia Spirit and those who have taken us under their wing when we needed tenderness most. I think of a young Mother to be, her excitement of feeling a quickening movement of life within and the anticipation of welcoming a new little spirit into our world.  “Will it be a girl or boy? And more importantly prayers for good health.”

I recall breathing through and relaxing into the pain of natural child birth. The intensely organic and primal experience of giving birth as so many generations of woman have before me.  The women who held our hands and encouraged us to “push, push, you can do it!!”

Recollections of children’s’ growing up years, experiencing wonder anew through their eyes, discovering the mystery and joy of simply being alive. Of Mother’s Days gone by and the homemade gifts our children made to express their love.

I think of our Mothers who have left this earthly plane but live in our hearts and whose Spirits are protecting and renewing earth with Love’s resilient energy.

Coming full circle, the joy of grand-parenting, of breaking rules, of understanding what matters and slowing down to savor moments. I loved my grandmother Kate from the Carter clan. I have fond memories of listening to stories of Ireland and Sunday visits after church.

This past week my brother, Tom sent me a precious gift. An album containing photos of my dad when he was little. As a teen, I  would sketch my grandmother Svea; studying the lines of her portrait to spend time with her. Last night, I sorted through keepsakes and found this unfinished drawing. At the time, the background was too challenging for me to draw.  Now, it distracts from my grandmothers beauty. I want to erase it all except for Svea and the boy; my father.

My grandparents [except Katie} had long passed before I was born. I often spent time looking at their photos in hopes of knowing them. When gazing at photos we may discover a family likeness, or we may have heard that our brother has her laugh.  Perhaps, we share a quirky mannerism that lives on in us.

We carry such interesting stories and marvelous connections that form our foundation. Don’t let these memories disappear. Take time to mine the diamonds that are steeped in richness and deeply meaningful.

{Click on photos to enlarge}

This Mother’s Day honor the heritage that is yours to know, love and embrace.

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Photos: 1. My sons Lee & John Wessel; 2. Grandmother Svea Krull Sorensen, N.Y. C; 4. Svea 3rd from L in OR; 4. Grandparents: Svea, Kate Carter Lawler & Charles Lawler 5. Mother's Day Card from John