The friendship I have with my mom and dad is something that I cherish. Oh it didn’t start out that way at first. Growing up I will be the first to admit that I was a handful! I rebelled as often as I could and stayed grounded more than most of the kids I knew. However, being grounded accomplished something more than just making me mad. I learned by spending all that time at home that I actually loved being with my parents. Not that I ever told them that back then, after all, that would have been too uncool.
As years passed, I was on the go a lot and eventually moved away from home. I enjoyed my new found freedom since that’s what I had worked towards for 18 years. Oddly enough though I found myself missing something I never would have imagined. This time it was the distance from my mom and dad that made me realize not only did I love my parents, but I liked them to boot. How did this happen?
Through the years, I have been made aware that it doesn’t matter how or why the relationship changed, I’m just so thankful it did. No matter where I have gone in life or what I have done, I was always accepted, loved and cared for by my family.
Mary Lou Quinlan is all too familar with the love of family, especially her mom. Mary Lou shared a relationship with her mother that went beyond the typical mother/daughter friendship. They had many things in common, from their uneven hips to their bad habit of eavesdropping. Together they shared special nicknames with each other and a unique way of saying goodbye.
When Mary Lou lost her mother on May 29, 2006, her mother, Mary took a part of her with her.
The night before Mary’s service was to be held, Mary Lou, her brother Jack and her father were sitting down to dinner together. During the meal, Jack asked, “Where is mom’s God box?” It was at that moment that they realized Mary had never told any of them where she kept her box for writing worries, prayers, hopes, dreams and thoughts to God.
The hunt began to see what they could find. In the end, it was not one, but ten God Boxes that were filled with her mother’s endearing messages to God. As they unfolded each note they were able to literally go back in time and relive their mother’s thoughts and wishes along with much of their own lives.
With everything their mother had left behind in her God Box’s, it gave her family a sense of peace. They were reminded more than ever of her love for them, their father and even complete strangers. The God Box is a beautiful book that reminds us of the value of family, kindness towards others and the importance of your faith.
Since I have begun reading this book, I have started my own God Box. It may just inspire you to do the same.
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I received a copy of the God Box for review. I received no other form of compensation for my review.
Thanks so much for your beautiful review. ove the photo with your Mom and so glad you’ve enjoyed one of the best friendships on earth! hands on, Mary Lou