I love her too much.

My mom came to stay with us for eight days to help when Kapaun was born. I know it is not easy for her, but she continues to give, give, give. I always tell her that her presence is enough for me. Both John and I love having her in our home. The kids love having her in our home. She knows exactly how to help and what to do when a new baby is brought home.  She knows how to comfort a fatigued mother even though she is fatigued.  She knows how to give hope to the weary even though she is weary.  She has the amazing capacity to get out of herself to help others. 

I came out this morning and she was already making bread and cinnamon rolls with our girls. 

When I arrived home from the hospital that Friday night, she had the house perfectly cleaned, lights dimmed, candles lit, fresh flowers on the table, babies bathed and in bed, and she let the big kids stay up but told them how important it was to be very quiet when Mama walks in the front door.  Sometimes, I wish she knew HOW much I love her.  I wish she knew how her ways affect my ways.  She is the world's best cheerleader.  If you are down, don't you ever worry...Damaris Niewald will cheer you up and give you hope.  She will swoop in and make you feel that life is certainly worth living especially worth living for Christ.  I know her heavenly reward will be so great.  Because of our closeness, I know her sufferings and her sacrifices.  Sometimes, I wish others knew, but God knows and that is all that matters.  She definitely is a lover of souls.  She sees the soul of every person and wants goodness for them.

She finds her surest contentment with a baby in her arms.  She called up to the hospital Friday morning and begged me to come home because she missed Kapaun.  She promised to keep the other kids busy.  She just wanted to see him so much. 

I like this shot because of her hands and her scapular.  I have never, ever not seen my mother without her scapular.  She has such a devotion to Our Lady. 

Mom, I will never be able to convey to you the degree of my love and admiration.  You and me are kindred spirits, Diana Barry.  Thank you for always coming after we have a baby.  You are still teaching me about life and you know I am an eager student.  Thank you for giving to our whole family especially with your sacrifices and spiritual life.  As Lillie told me one day, "Mom, Mechie is going to be a saint.  She is always helping somebody.  She is always sacrificing."  See, even they know.