My mother died several years ago and I still miss her terribly. During her illness, I had seen her every other day and sometimes every day until St. Valentine’s Day; this was the last day that I saw her alive. My children got colds and what I thought was the throw-up flu (severe ear infections were diagnosed on February 22) and I could no longer visit her. The night she died, my dad tried to call, but by the time I answered the phone, the person on the other end had hung up. My dad called me early the next morning and told me. My children and I rushed over to my parents’ house. My husband met us there.

The day my mother died, I took advantage of the fact that my husband stayed home to help me, and I went to Mass.  I arrived early and I knelt and prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, “Dear God, my mom has suffered so much. If my mom will go straight to Heaven, please take her.” I did not expect God to answer my prayer at 10:03 that night and I have regretted my prayer so often, but a priest told me that it was a prayer of love. I am thankful that she is no longer suffering; however, sometimes, I selfishly wish that I had continued to pray for a miracle.

The day my mother died, I lost my mom and my closest friend, next to my husband.

Dear Mary, as I told you shortly after my mother died, I entrust myself totally to your care.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.