As you already know, there were times I couldn’t find the strength to stand, yet you stood for me.
A Mother’s Touch
There’s only one thing that’s more precious than a mother’s love, and I believe it’s a mother’s touch. I’m certain that my brothers, confined within walls and separated from their mother’s embrace, can agree with me. These are some words that I felt called to share about how just a simple hug can give life to a son’s aching heart.
For more than three years, I have caused my mom to struggle, knowing her son is facing a life sentence due to my bad choices. This reality has brought both of us heartbreaking tears. Now that I have come to a greater understanding of the pain I’ve caused, I know that every tear matters. Every mother wants to see her children grow up, live good lives, reach their goals, and become successful. No mother wants to go through the agony of knowing her baby has to be locked away from society. The feeling produces an overwhelming darkness for both mother and child.
It has been a long, daunting journey. It had been years before my incarceration that I felt my mother’s touch. Fortunately, God gifted me with the sweet serenity of her hug once more. The memory of her telling me, “I wish you would stay,” as her heart reached out toward mine, began to linger as time fell through the hourglass. It was almost like I was stuck under a cloud, waiting for the rain to fall so I could soon witness the sunbeam through. Yet the fear that the light would never come grew stronger.
A mother’s touch—so precious it is. It came to the point where the best option was to become the son that my mom deserves. Throughout my life, whether good or bad, I have been aware that I could always rely on my mom to prevent me from self-destruction, but this time she couldn’t. However, my mistakes have failed to define who I am. I am finally working on re-identifying the real Eli, only because my mother taught me that regardless of my current situation, there is always a blessing, and no matter where I am in life, I have a purpose.
Those are some of the same words I incorporated into my graduation speech, which she came all the way from Texas to hear. She saw me shine through the very cloud that ultimately became an opportunity to find my purpose. Yes, the love is real, but not even 1,000 miles could prevent a mother’s touch from breaking strongholds in her son’s life. All glory to God. Needless to say, her touch guided me toward being the light I’m meant to be. It’s miraculous, isn’t it? That with a mother’s touch, I’d overcome defeat. For me, it’s definitely a life-empowering feeling. A mother’s touch.
I love you so much, Elida Guerra. As you already know, there were times I couldn’t find the strength to stand, yet you stood for me. Your touch is a blessing my heart will forever need.
Eliazar
