Mercy comes from a compassionate heart.  Henri Nouwen

Three years ago, on August 3, my mama’s compassionate heart stopped beating. And still, it is impossible for the world to contain the mercy she embodied and dispensed. If she were alive, she would scoff at this. She’d see it as an undeserved compliment, and shake her head in disbelief. But those of us who knew her, know the truth of who she was.  She encircled us with her compassionate heart. She gave and she gave generously of her love, her time and always a big laugh. My own heart brims with gratitude (albeit tinged with sweet sorrow) as I remember my mama on this third anniversary. 

I often imagine mama close beside me, especially when I am traveling through Kenya making home visits. I imagine her crossing the threshold with me into some small mud hut, her eyes adjusting from brilliant sunshine to the dim, windowless space inside. She hesitates only for a moment, taking it all in – mud walls, dirt floor, a chair or two, a pallet bed on the floor against a far wall and a few cooking utensils and a water container piled in a corner. I see her hesitating for just a second, a little overwhelmed, and unsure, and then she smiles, pulls up a chair, leans in close and listens attentively. She would do what she could to alleviate any suffering. She would be the embodiment of Christ’s love and mercy–a healing balm to hurting and weary bodies and souls.

I don’t know what my mama really remembered about my dream of building a hospice in Kenya. We certainly talked about it as she began her slow descent into dementia. But this I do know–she would marvel at what we’ve accomplished, especially over these past few months. She would smile and bless it, this endeavor. She would bless it with the mercy that comes from a compassionate heart and she’d dazzle us all with her wonderful laugh of joy at seeing things coming together.

This little piece is dedicated to beautiful mamas all over the world, and the strong beautiful women of Kenya.

Our website, is coming soon! Stay tuned. Until then, help us build the dream, one rock, one dollar at a time.

The old fashioned way~

Write a check to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, earmarked for Kenya Hospice and mail to 4701 Grove St. Rocklin, CA 95677

or online at www.curatiomundi.org