Today, November 30th is the 44th death anniversary of my mother - Carmen Miranda nee Calara. Yes, she signed her name that way! While remembering and praying for her on this special day, I rejoice knowing that she, in her glorified body, is enjoying the splendor of heaven. She had a tremendous influence on me that I can safely say that my mother "defined" me!
My mother remained true to her vocation of "motherhood" and pursued it in total righteousness with God. The Almighty was "numero uno" (number 1) in her life and was consistently manifested in her daily activities. She could be counted among the "blessed meek," not in the sense that she was incapable of adequately expressing herself nor as a sign of weakness but in her total trust and confidence in God. Being a widow with a soldier's wife monthly compensation, she managed to rear, clothe and educate eight off-springs. Numerous were her trials and challenges. Many were the times she chose "dying to self" so as to fulfill family obligations. Her total trust and confidence in God was worthy of emulation and somehow energized and inspired those close to her.
Very early in life, my mother instilled in us the development of a personal relationship with God through "prayer," I close my eyes now and my mind unravels the vivid picture of my mother encircled by her young children with her outstretched arms and upward gaze as she explained that prayer was and still is, the lifting up of our hearts and minds to God. Family observance of the Angelus and the Rosary were daily evening prayers as I grew up. How often did she remind us, in fact, from childhood through teen years and up to adulthood this, "Stay close to God and our Blessed Mother and your life will be properly directed." It was her "mantra."
Another one of her quotable quotes was, "Do what is good not because someone is looking but because you are a person of integrity." By that, she meant "granite-like integrity." She followed this with "Ang Diyos ay hindi natutulog." (God never sleeps). Still followed by an inspirational, "God rewards the good!"
The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you" was something she demonstrated in life. She made sure that the message rang in our ears and ingrained indelibly in our brains."The frequency with which the Golden Rule is practiced at work and at play makes it a habit," she counseled.
On this day, I let my pen loose on a tribute to:
MY MOTHER
A tribute to my mother is most essential
For me to do because it was Providential
That I be counted among her children she loved
God's greatest gift to me, my mother,
gentle as a dove.
She was a person from humble beginnings
Yet was destinied to lead, to counsel from sinning
Definitely focused, sincere, sweet in her ways
So positive in outlook, an inspiration to trace.
My mother's love was attuned to God's pure one
To family, relations and friends, save none
Even to those who "bite" her open hand
Always forgiving, adapting to the demand.
"Generous" was her second name, friends
did tease
A "giving" person without question nor cease
Food and supplies meant for family reserve
She shared willingly without bursting a nerve.
A devout Catholic from cradle to grave
She taught her children to be truly saved
More by example than by Bible stories delight
Her faith shone bright at life's turmoils,
dark nights.
Our family prayed together Mary's Rosary
A nightly devotion we chorused in Spanish free
"Padre Nuestro" and "Dios te Salve,"
I learned first
Long before I mumbled prayers in the
English verse.
Education was to her, one of life's stars
Her children to succeed was her goal,
not a farce
So the care of a piggery she bore patiently
To help finance our education indefinitely.
Mother taught us to develop and nurture high
The most precious granite-like integrity
So as to look at anyone straight in the eye
At all times and in all places with sincerity.
I thank the Lord for bringing you to me
A gift from God, you'll always be
I am proud to be a wee bit like you
Just a semblance of your truest hue!
XXXXXX
Very early in life, my mother instilled in us the development of a personal relationship with God through "prayer," I close my eyes now and my mind unravels the vivid picture of my mother encircled by her young children with her outstretched arms and upward gaze as she explained that prayer was and still is, the lifting up of our hearts and minds to God. Family observance of the Angelus and the Rosary were daily evening prayers as I grew up. How often did she remind us, in fact, from childhood through teen years and up to adulthood this, "Stay close to God and our Blessed Mother and your life will be properly directed." It was her "mantra."
Another one of her quotable quotes was, "Do what is good not because someone is looking but because you are a person of integrity." By that, she meant "granite-like integrity." She followed this with "Ang Diyos ay hindi natutulog." (God never sleeps). Still followed by an inspirational, "God rewards the good!"
The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you" was something she demonstrated in life. She made sure that the message rang in our ears and ingrained indelibly in our brains."The frequency with which the Golden Rule is practiced at work and at play makes it a habit," she counseled.
On this day, I let my pen loose on a tribute to:
MY MOTHER
A tribute to my mother is most essential
For me to do because it was Providential
That I be counted among her children she loved
God's greatest gift to me, my mother,
gentle as a dove.
She was a person from humble beginnings
Yet was destinied to lead, to counsel from sinning
Definitely focused, sincere, sweet in her ways
So positive in outlook, an inspiration to trace.
My mother's love was attuned to God's pure one
To family, relations and friends, save none
Even to those who "bite" her open hand
Always forgiving, adapting to the demand.
"Generous" was her second name, friends
did tease
A "giving" person without question nor cease
Food and supplies meant for family reserve
She shared willingly without bursting a nerve.
A devout Catholic from cradle to grave
She taught her children to be truly saved
More by example than by Bible stories delight
Her faith shone bright at life's turmoils,
dark nights.
Our family prayed together Mary's Rosary
A nightly devotion we chorused in Spanish free
"Padre Nuestro" and "Dios te Salve,"
I learned first
Long before I mumbled prayers in the
English verse.
Education was to her, one of life's stars
Her children to succeed was her goal,
not a farce
So the care of a piggery she bore patiently
To help finance our education indefinitely.
Mother taught us to develop and nurture high
The most precious granite-like integrity
So as to look at anyone straight in the eye
At all times and in all places with sincerity.
I thank the Lord for bringing you to me
A gift from God, you'll always be
I am proud to be a wee bit like you
Just a semblance of your truest hue!
XXXXXX
