大象传媒

Good Morning.聽 My Mother celebrated her eighty third birthday this year. All the family were in touch, and two days later she passed away in her sleep.

I was asked to deliver the eulogy at her funeral, which gave me an opportunity to reflect on her life in a special way.聽 Special because it was a great honour to be asked; and special because funerals are an important part of Irish culture 鈥� and the memory of my mother鈥檚 well lived life was to be marked and lauded for the last time in ceremony.

One memory stood out as an example of her teaching skill and her wisdom. I was six and my mother asked me to walk with her down to the shops. On the road she asked me to hold her hand. I grasped her hand but she asked me to change sides, to walk at the footpath鈥檚 edge, which I duly did. I asked why she wanted me there, and she answered, 鈥渢o protect me from falling off the path, from being splashed by puddles, and so that your sword arm is free鈥�.

My back straightened and I felt a surge of purpose, to protect mammy. When we went to cross the road I stopped her, looked right and left and advised her when it was safe to cross. From that day I began to become consciously respectful of women. A nobility instilled in me by my mother鈥檚 humility at allowing me to feel important, and her understanding of how to train a young boy.

Whatever our relationship, many of us have mother stories - and I pray that in recounting them we can love our mothers more for their sacrifice, their understanding, and their care. For in this world a mother is unique in her love and attachment. Thank you Lord for my mother. Hare Krishna. 310