A Mother's Love (2006)
- Kent Galloway
- Jun 12, 2021
- 2 min read
An excerpt from "Courage in the Congo: A Doctor's Fight to Save the Pygmies"
Available now on Amazon:
January 16 will be a day I will never forget. Father Yves asked me to sit with him in the dining room. He told me he received a message saying my Mom had passed away. On January 14, my mother, Rita Galloway, died peacefully in her sleep at 93.
Afterward, I went to my room and closed the drape to signal that I did not want to be disturbed. Then, I journaled:
"I know everyone thinks their Mom is the best, but Mom WAS the best and most fantastic mother one could have. She was indeed a gentle mother, a gentlewoman, generous, and always caring for others, inspiring us to have concern for the poor. Mom was a woman of faith and helped us to grow in the faith and love of Jesus. She always encouraged us to do our best.
I know I would not have gone to college if it hadn't been for her encouragement. She always supported our decisions. When I changed from dentistry to medicine, Dad wasn't happy, but she said, 'Do it.' When I decided not to become a cardiologist but to dedicate my life to the service of the poor, Dad was very unhappy. Still, she said, 'Do it.' And when I answered Jesus' call to become a religious missionary, Dad wasn't happy once again. Still, she said, 'Do it.'
I know I caused Mom some pain and suffering, but she always prayed for me and forgave me. During the '60s and '70s, when I was a left-wing radical leaving the church and denying God's existence, she prayed and patiently waited for me to come to my senses. And when I became a born-again Catholic, she celebrated."
Dr. Jerry's family - Bottom row - Otto (father), Rita (mother), Sister Blaise (sister). Top row - Bill (brother), Sonya (sister-in-law)
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