This is a gorgeous piece of writing and so aptly timed. Although I no longer identify as Christian, Mary has been dear to me since I was a small child. I love how you drew parallels between her story and yours. My heart aches for your motherly heart, which longs for her Black sheep son's redemption. Thank you for sharing this and inspiring this mother's heart.
Effing heartbreaking essay, on being the mother of the black sheep. Considering Mary, and all mothers, on Easter week, the arrest, conviction and execution of a rebel labeled criminal. Mary's reported story ends with her son's death, but she was left here, having witnessed her first born, murdered in the name of law.
What a tender piece of writing, Bridget. Your willingness to see the humanity in Mary's story and your capacity to share the reflection on your own life in such an eloquent, gentle way is impressive.
Bridget, I'm speechless. You write so beautifully about the most wrenching of topics. I'm holding you in my heart, in tears and prayers. My motherly heart breaks for you. And I also have held Mary dear to my own heart ever since I had my son "too young."
Oh— thank you. I remember feeling drawn to her at Christmas time in 1997 like I do now. One month before I gave birth to my son. I was “unwed” and felt the weight of it everywhere in a backward town. I FEEL you!!
That’s exactly how I felt! I learned about Mary, mother of Jesus, in church and at school but I didn’t know her until I needed to! All of your same thoughts came to me as I grappled with them in the dark, the silence, the unknown and in the dreaded details. How did Mary do it; how did she survive it? I cried for her suffering and for mine. I have become very close to Mary since. No one can tell me that she was ordinary. I and many others know the sins of our incarcerated children but her son was innocent. How did she survive the unjust brutality of her son’s murder? How did she have the courage to watch it and caress his dead body?
My son lived and left prison to become a better man but I will never forget the love of Mother Mary for her unconventional son; she set the standard of love and loyalty to her son.
I hope you find encouragement in Mary’s devotion to her son, enough to sustain you. Mary’s example still sustains me as gut wrenching memories still ties me in knots. I had no support on the journey but for the example of a holy woman, some 2000 years ago.
Thank you for reading, for being here, and for sharing. You give me hope and help me feel less alone. I am so thankful to read of good outcomes beyond these days. 🤍
What a powerful piece. Your perspectives combined with the Biblical story are really fresh and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing it. Holidays hit differently when we’re experiencing grief.
It’s nearly impossible to respond to the excruciating pain you’re experiencing knowing what your precious adult child is trying to survive 😡 My heart weeps for him and you 😢 I hope, wish and pray earnestly he comes home very soon!!! Thinking of you and sending Easter blessings as God knows all and Jesus lives ❤️🙏✝️ I love you, AD
So heartbreaking that it is hard to imagine her watching his death without ripping my hair out. 🖤
Bridget, this piece is beautiful. Have you shopped it around? Perhaps an editorial in the local paper? So well written. Thank you.
I haven’t. In fact, I have no idea how to do that but it is something I need to learn. #goals
You are a gifted writer and you should publish a book!
This is a gorgeous piece of writing and so aptly timed. Although I no longer identify as Christian, Mary has been dear to me since I was a small child. I love how you drew parallels between her story and yours. My heart aches for your motherly heart, which longs for her Black sheep son's redemption. Thank you for sharing this and inspiring this mother's heart.
Thank you for taking the moments to read it and reply. I appreciate this more than you know.
Effing heartbreaking essay, on being the mother of the black sheep. Considering Mary, and all mothers, on Easter week, the arrest, conviction and execution of a rebel labeled criminal. Mary's reported story ends with her son's death, but she was left here, having witnessed her first born, murdered in the name of law.
What a tender piece of writing, Bridget. Your willingness to see the humanity in Mary's story and your capacity to share the reflection on your own life in such an eloquent, gentle way is impressive.
Thank you, friend. 🤍
Bridget, I'm speechless. You write so beautifully about the most wrenching of topics. I'm holding you in my heart, in tears and prayers. My motherly heart breaks for you. And I also have held Mary dear to my own heart ever since I had my son "too young."
Oh— thank you. I remember feeling drawn to her at Christmas time in 1997 like I do now. One month before I gave birth to my son. I was “unwed” and felt the weight of it everywhere in a backward town. I FEEL you!!
WOW. Bridget. My son was born January 26, 1998...
Ok. Crazy. Check your DM.
That’s exactly how I felt! I learned about Mary, mother of Jesus, in church and at school but I didn’t know her until I needed to! All of your same thoughts came to me as I grappled with them in the dark, the silence, the unknown and in the dreaded details. How did Mary do it; how did she survive it? I cried for her suffering and for mine. I have become very close to Mary since. No one can tell me that she was ordinary. I and many others know the sins of our incarcerated children but her son was innocent. How did she survive the unjust brutality of her son’s murder? How did she have the courage to watch it and caress his dead body?
My son lived and left prison to become a better man but I will never forget the love of Mother Mary for her unconventional son; she set the standard of love and loyalty to her son.
I hope you find encouragement in Mary’s devotion to her son, enough to sustain you. Mary’s example still sustains me as gut wrenching memories still ties me in knots. I had no support on the journey but for the example of a holy woman, some 2000 years ago.
God bless you and your son!
Thank you for reading, for being here, and for sharing. You give me hope and help me feel less alone. I am so thankful to read of good outcomes beyond these days. 🤍
This one brought me to tears. Sending you love my sweet sister. Can’t wait for the day you two are reunited!
I love you. Thank you for the endless support.
Thanks for putting what you feel to paper. Love you sis!
Love you, brother.
What a powerful piece. Your perspectives combined with the Biblical story are really fresh and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing it. Holidays hit differently when we’re experiencing grief.
It’s nearly impossible to respond to the excruciating pain you’re experiencing knowing what your precious adult child is trying to survive 😡 My heart weeps for him and you 😢 I hope, wish and pray earnestly he comes home very soon!!! Thinking of you and sending Easter blessings as God knows all and Jesus lives ❤️🙏✝️ I love you, AD