November 18, 2022

A mother’s love blesses the life of her daughter in a lasting way

Sandy Fillenwarth, left, and her mother, Marilyn Fillenwarth, share one of the many moments that brought joy to their relationship. (Submitted photo)

Sandy Fillenwarth, left, and her mother, Marilyn Fillenwarth, share one of the many moments that brought joy to their relationship. (Submitted photo)

By John Shaughnessy

For anyone who has lost a mother or father, the desire strikes at some point—often unexpectedly—to be able to hear their voice on the phone or to have a face-to-face conversation with them.

Sandy Fillenwarth often has that feeling about her mom, Marilyn Fillenwarth, who died a year ago.

“It broke my heart because she was my best friend,” says Fillenwarth, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indianapolis.

She remembers their ritual of going to Mass together on Saturday evenings at St. Patrick Church in Indianapolis, where her parents were married in 1949. And how, after Mass, they went to a nearby drive-in restaurant for dinner, enjoying a tenderloin sandwich and a lemonade while listening to Elvis Presley belt out a song on the jukebox.

“Ah, the good old days,” she notes.

Still, the sadness that Fillenwarth feels is balanced by the memory of how her mother lived her life with joy. There is also the realization of all the ways her mother blessed her, all the gifts her mother shared with her.

“As I reflect on this amazing woman, I realize that because of her I have so many blessings in my life. Mom had five children, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many in-laws. She loved all of us and always made sure we got together as much as possible. And when we got together, all our friends were invited. She made sure everyone had fun and ate well. She wanted us to have peace, love and joy in our hearts.”

Fillenwarth views her mother’s life as one of gratitude. As her daughter, she strives to do the same.

“I am forever grateful to have the best son, daughter-in-law, grandson and granddaughter in the world,” she says. “My son is so good to me.

“As Pope Francis advised, I will think back on my life with the grace of remembrance and count my blessings.” †

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