The epitome of virtuous love is selfless giving of one's whole self. I cannot imagine any greater gift than selfless gifting love with a cross of pain on your back. Christ did this for all of us to open the gates of heaven. I am proud to say I know quite a few women (three very close to me) who fight through their own crosses and chronic pain and illness to be living pillars of virtuous love as mothers.

I've watched many go home exhausted from work with nerve pain causing a raging fire across the body with no know cure, asthma induced weariness, digestive problems, hormone imbalances, diabetes, excruciating pregnancy illnesses, and emotional turmoil when children reject good moral choices of living. When I ask why they do it, the same women tell me, "If I do not push through this pain my children do not get the home life they need in the world to be ready for it when I am gone." It is a common theme in each of these women. This mission is indeed grafted on their souls for life.

Wearing a new airport shirt since Kevin shared his breakfast.

I can imagine the temptation these women face when they see other moms bounce through life with the greatest of health and outgoing personalities. Those people get held up as the great ones in our world. To know these chronic sufferers will never be able take an "easy" walk with their children, awake without chronic pain, and will be looked down on by many because they supposedly just don't have the "mental fortitude" to be "more" than they are. These situations must produce feelings of envy, hopelessness and induce despair. Yet these chronic suffers, who hold a deep sense of faith in God, turn these vice filled thoughts around and defeat those harmful thoughts time and time again.

These women are my inspiration. They create homes with hearts of joy, and communities of charity through their hidden pains. They take up the Cross of Christ, whether they acknowledge it or not, everyday. They suffer the pain of pierced hearts like Mary in silence, and turn the pain into graceful living. These two examples turn other hearts towards God by creating homes and families which match their hearts of sacrifice.

For these women I pray for God's mercy to shower on them forever. Today I hope you too join me in this noble cause.