It is the eve of Mother’s Day 2026. I am sitting in my chair listening to the rain dropping on the roof and my mind is fixed on the realization that for nearly sixty years I have been a Mom!
It came as a surprise to me in my early twenties that I would even desire to be a mother. I was concentrating on my career in church service. In September of 1962, I began my first year of seminary at Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. It was a requirement that entering students would be evaluated to assess any possible psychological problems. In my one on one with the professor to discuss the results, he asked “What do you think your first desire for your future is?” My answer was to serve as a leader in the church. He smiled and said “That’s fine but according to the tests you truly desire to be a wife and a mother.” I was shaken by his answer. Yet, I remembered what he had said and it truly influenced where I decided to serve after seminary.
In the large United Methodist Church in Morgantown, West Virginia where the university is located, I did indeed meet my husband, Rosendo Santos. My story is already written on this website about our marriage. Ros and I did not want to delay having a family and I was blessed in 1967 to give birth to our Erik. Then in 1970, came our Nathan. Finally, our Jason was born in 1972.
Each of our sons was and have been God’s gift to me. It would take hours to describe the adventures of raising my sons. I can certainly say it was not easy. I know I made mistakes as a Mother. Probably I loved them too much, if that is even possible. I tried so hard to protect them from the pain of this world. But we know that is impossible. Even now in this adulthood, I would gladly trade their displeasure and fears for any peace I could give them.
Now, I finally have learned that what they now do and know is the result of their assurance that they knew and know how much I love them. They now are married, have children or are guiding young people in their careers. Every day they are busy! I hope this remembrance will help them to know that their lives have enriched my life and I can’t imagine these many years without them. Yes, being Mom was and is God’s destiny for me. Erik Ros, Nathan Harry, Jason Clendenin—Santos. May you know how special you are for this woman who is now aged in body but still vital in mind. It is so wonderful just to remember all we have enjoyed together!!! ❤️ Mom
L-R floor: Brayden & Roger Lee, Ross, Kristen, Jill.
L-R 2nd row: Jason, Erik, Toko, Ariana, Nathan, Christian, Mattea