Nov12026
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About six months after my mother died, I was in Bed Bath and Beyond. A song came over the loudspeaker that I recognized. It was one of those upbeat country songs, forever and for always I will always be with you. I will never be separated from you. I remember hearing the song many times before in the mall at Kohl’s department store when I took my mother shopping before she died. So, when I heard it again at Bed Bath & Beyond, I remembered my mother. It was as if I was right there with her again. The memory of her was so vivid and clear that I got emotional, my eyes welled up, and the waterworks began.  In that moment of vulnerability, a Bed Bath & Beyond woman appeared in front of me, looking right up at my face. Where did she come from? They are never around when you need them. I had an option. I could have just leveled with her about the song and my mother’s passing. I know she would have wanted to comfort me with a hug. Then the next day on the front page of the Boston Globe it would read, “Priest Hugs Girl in BED…Bath and Beyond.” I thought, “this is not a good option.” The other option was to leave as soon as possible, which I did. As I was going back home, I realized I never lost her. She is still with me in my heart and my thoughts. The many wonderful memories of her kindness, sacrifices, and generosity are all blessings to me. Each memory reminds me that it is now my turn to carry on the legacy.

No matter how sad we may feel, or what loss or difficulties we may face, the beatitudes that Jesus gave us when on that mountain remind us to always live like we are blessed, because we are.

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