Life in May

 May is a favorite month of mine. I always look forward to this time of year, as it's the beginning of spring, and it's still the Easter season! It's also the month to honor all mothers, Our Lady's month, and the month of the Rosary. 

Recently (2 days ago), my dear and sweet little niece was born. My sweet sister gave birth to her precious daughter on the wedding anniversary of our grandparents and the death anniversary of our brother-in-law's dad. So many various events and celebrations this month! I can't wait to meet and hold this little gem, with her head full of hair, and her little coos and sounds. She looks a lot like my brother-in-law, but also, I can see some resemblance of my sister, and she may even have the same personality as her? 

It's amazing to see my sister now a mom and embracing parenthood with her hubby. Of course, she was already a mom these past 9 months! But to actually hold the dearest baby and gift given to them is incredible, amazing and somewhat surreal. I am so happy and proud of my sister and enduring her labor and natural birth!! She is so strong!

I can't help but think back to those years ago- which feel like so long ago! My sweet sister was going through a lot, and enduring growing pains, hardships and ultimately waiting for her future to begin! (As we know, the future is here, we are living in the present moment which God is revealing and from there, we anticipate the future). But as I have experienced so many times as well, it can be very difficult and painful not knowing exactly what lay ahead for us, and how God will reveal His plan and all that we desire in our hearts. 

Here is some of what she wrote on that blog post of hers for Mother's Day5 years ago:

"Mother's Day is such a loaded day to celebrate and contemplate, for me. I continually think of first and foremost my own Mom-, and all the riches and blessings I carry in my life because of her...And then of course my mind turns to Our Blessed Lady! (How fitting that this year Mother's Day falls on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima!) Given all of this, it starts to feel a little overwhelming sometimes, given that hey- I too am a woman, with the ability and natural instinct to shroud life- where do I fit in with all of this?? And that reminder: ALL women are called to motherhood." 

I love this post of hers because it is so real, and raw. God has been preparing her all along. And I know I have had my fair share of similar thoughts, feelings and deeper stirrings of the heart. But what trust, hope and joy knowing we as women behold so much beauty, power and responsibility to uphold and protect life in various ways!

This month of May is so special and full of beauty! It is also quite a busy and active month, with finishing up the school year, assignments and projects. It's quite an exciting time after a long journey and quite exhausting and eventful school year! I feel ready to close it out, embrace it all and look back with gratitude of all the growth, learning, and struggle it has been! I look forward to processing it all! And to think about this little girl, my newest niece growing and developing this whole time (pretty much the duration of the school year) and now being born, what God has planned and is in store for her! 

I love to see the beautiful and glorious blooms this time of year. And with all the rain we have gotten, it is even more enjoyable! The colors are vibrant and colorful. What beauty to bestow- the growth, the blooms, life revealed and hope and joy present.