Blessing the Mothers ~ by Jan Richardson

Who are our
first sanctuary.

Who fashion
a space of blessing
with their own being:

with the belly
the bone and
the blood

or,
if not with these,
then with the
durable heart
that offers itself
to break
and grow wide,
to gather itself
around another
as refuge,
as home.

Who lean into
the wonder and terror
of loving what
they can hold
but cannot contain.

Who remain
in some part of themselves
always awake,
a corner of consciousness
keeping perpetual vigil.

Who know
that the story
is what endures
is what binds us
is what runs deeper
even than blood

and so they spin them
in celebration
of what abides
and benediction
on what remains:

a simple gladness
that latches onto us
and graces us
on our way.

Poem by Jan Richardson

 I celebrate all who have imprinted their hearts on ours and who have touched our lives with their extraordinary gifts of Love and nurturance. The keepers of wonder; great women who have taught us to befriend our secret longings and to reach for our unspoken dreams.

 I honor the men in life who are both mother-father, sons and friends. The caregivers of wonder, who who unceasingly show up for us and through their caring gestures and encourage us to see with our hearts.

Wishing you overflowing blessings this Mother’s Day, flowering in moments of abundant love.

Shared by Liz Sorensen Wessel
Watercolor by ~liz