The Catholic Writers Guild

   My mom, Rita, was born in 1920.

 

Money was scarce and troubles were plenty.

But her faith was strong and her spirit was stoic.

In fact, I’d say she was heroic.

 

As the fifth of six girls she became the leader.

Everyone could always count on Rita.

She was generous, kind, and beneficent,

Though very humble and somewhat reticent.

 

On a rainy morning in May of ’57,

Rita wed George- a marriage made in heaven.

Throughout their lives the rosary they’d pray

And receive the Eucharist at Mass each day.

 

A prayerful request at St.  Anne de Beaupre Shrine

Produced a true miracle that’s impossible to define!

Though the doctors all agreed, “Rita cannot bear a child,”

 Our omniscient Lord is gracious and His will is undefiled.

 

In June of ‘58 I was born healthy and strong;

However, there was still something very wrong.

My mom‘s prognosis was once again bleak.

As she lay dying in the hospital and oh so weak.

 

Defying the odds, my mom did survive.

The miraculous power of prayer is still alive!

She lived almost 94 years with joy and gratitude

As a loyal Roman Catholic with a Christ like attitude.

 

My mom’s vitality suddenly came to an end

When she lost her husband and very best friend.

Yes, George, my beloved dad, was the love of her life,

And his passing last December caused deep grief and strife.

 

 Rita so wanted to be with her George

And I prayed that God would quickly forge

A happy reunion between Mom and Dad.

To see Mom like this was just too sad!

 

Finally, one dark February night

Mom apparently saw the light!

All of a sudden, her eyes opened wide

While I expressed to her all I felt inside.

 

And sure enough at 3:15,

With eyes wide open and totally serene,

Rita peacefully entered eternity,

Joining George in blissful unity.

                                                               by Anne Marie Vale, Ph. D.

 

Anne Marie Vale is proud to be a lifelong Catholic.  She was an elementary music specialist and an elementary classroom teacher for 29 years in Rhode Island before retiring five years ago.    Anne Marie also has a Ph. D. in organizational leadership from Regent University. She returned to Regent as an adjunct professor.  Since 2009, Anne Marie and her husband, Michael, have been living in Sarasota, Florida.  They belong to the Church of the Incarnation, which is in the Diocese of Venice.

 

Editor’s Note:  Thanks Anne Marie, for this sweet poem.   It’s never out of season to honor our Moms.  CWG members should keep a close eye on the Blog site.  There will soon be a new set or protocols and encouragements to invite members to post and put their writing in the public space.   If you’re only writing “in your room”  it might be time for you to take a leap of faith and put your thoughts “out there” for all to see!

 

 

 

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