What they see

I vividly remember certain visual aspects of my own childhood.  My mother had a plaque that hung by our green rotary dial phone that read, "When a day is hemmed in by prayer, it is less likely to unravel."  Her friend, Helen Schmitt, gave it to her.  If you open any of her kitchen cupboards, you will most likely be startled as she has an unusual collection of pictures of male saints plastered inside every cupboard. Padre Pio gets me everytime in the cereal cupboard when I am home visiting.  I remember all these spiritual tokens fondly and wonder what my children will remember when they are older.  I wanted to blog about this in case they were ever trying to remember certain statues, quotes, or images when they are older.

 I saw this quote before we were married at the McNeely household.  St. John Vianney said these magnificent words that I have imprinted on my soul and finally made into wall words.  This is above our kitchen sink.

 The view in front of our sink.  I should tally how many times I stand in front of our sink.  I am there so much I figured this should be my little home altar.  The large statue of St. John Bosco was given to me by John before we were married.  I have always loved him most because he loved young children so much and truly saw them as God sees them.  Out of all the parenting books and styles I have read, my choice of styles is by far his.  He saw goodness in every soul that came to him.  

 I just bought this last week at Adoremus bookstore.  My mother loves St. Maximillian Kolbe and I also get teary-eyed when I think of his great love for souls.  This was perfect for me as this is one of my top five favorite scripture passages.  To me, it is the perfect motherhood motto.

 The beauty of the Blessed Mother's face on this card reminded me of my own sweet Rose and her sweet face especially with the inscription on the bottom.

 My mom sent this little strip to me when we lived in Oklahoma and Lillie was very sick.  I taped it below the window and often think how funny it is that this little piece of paper made the journey from Oklahoma back to Nebraska.  It is getting worn and tattered, but it reminds me of my mother.

 Msgr. Fucinaro gave this to John and I for a wedding present.  It is a first class relic of St. Anne.  Anne is my middle name so the relic is extra special. 

I have several friends who are mega-godmothers.  They remember every important day in their godchildren's lives.  I wish I could remember to do that every year, but I do pray for each one of them every day, numerous times a day especially when I am standing at the kitchen sink.