True Home

It felt like a large warm blanket had been draped upon my shoulders on a cold winters night. Everything surrounding me was familiar and good. The sights, smells and sounds brought me back to a time where I recalled happiness with my family and with one person, in particular. When the Ave Maria was sung, I closed my eyes and pictured her radiant smile and warm embrace. She was happy and content and there was only joy in that private, silent moment. All memories of cancer and sadness had been forgotten. She was next to me and all was well.

I didn’t expect to feel so overwhelmed with nostalgia upon returning to my parish in Holliston this past weekend for the celebration of my beloved mom’s anniversary Mass. It’s been eight long years since she’s gone home to God and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. A beautiful friend who works at St. Mary’s has kept Mom’s name on the list for this weekend’s 11:30 Mass despite our family’s move to Cape Cod. The thought of this kindness makes me weep as the significance of this gesture transcends all ordinary expectations.

As my husband and I joined in the celebration of the Mass, we were surrounded by friends who are very dear to us. Real friendships flourish despite the passage of time and distance in miles. Looking around the church I felt love from my husband, our friends and most of all from the Lord himself. As I gazed up at the incredible crucifix right above the altar, the one in which I prayed under countless times over the course of twenty four years, I felt peace. Of course it was this place – this parish and its people, my people – but it was something much more than that. I think our true home is the place deep inside our souls where we quiet ourselves long enough to listen for the voice of God calling out to us – reaching out to us. It’s in that sacred place where we experience his boundless love, peace and mercy. It’s there, in that place, where we feel his overwhelming presence.

For the first time ever since we’ve lost her, that is the gift which I received today. I didn’t ask for it, I didn’t expect it and I certainly didn’t deserve it. But the Lord in His goodness allowed me to experience – even for a brief moment – the greatness of his love which I truly believe my Mom experiences each day now that she is safely in her True Home. Praise Him!