to a mother

"Moms don't usually go their own kid's funerals", said V as we were driving away from the church. No they don't, but that's exactly what happened yesterday. Our friends said their public goodbyes to their treasured son and brother. Today would be M's 9th birthday.

The message at the service was loud and clear, and one I hope our family will remember. It is a gift to love and to be loved. The little boy who could not speak was able to love. He was able to give that simple, yet powerful gift to those in his life. His family, friends, and caretakers loved him. He inspired love in people who knew him.

Can we do this? Can we love without questioning the details, without noticing the faults? Can we accept love freely, without wondering why it's being offered? M could. His family could, and continues to do so.

My children can run, and they can speak. They can ride a bike and they can sing. They can play the piano and they can argue. They can swim and they can shout.  M could not do any of these things, but he could love. Can I? Can you?

Happy Mother's Day to C, who loved her child completely, who made his life whole and safe. Happy Mother's Day to C, who received the greatest gift any of us ever could receive; the pure and simple love of a child.