Marriage and parenting were often like roller-coaster rides. There were long stretches of time when it seemed we were climbing high on the happy ride of life.
Then suddenly life dropped us, followed by one twist and turn after the other without a chance to catch our breath.
There were bumpy twists and turns of illnesses, unexpected job changes, financial worries and hectic schedules that dampened our married love and threatened our happy family life.
It seemed that chaos often happened when we were helping with important church or school functions or special events like a family reunion or holiday gathering.
Ed and I would huddle to the side of life and remember what my mom taught me when I was young. My mom said that when you are doing something really good, the Evil One does not like it and will throw obstacles in your path to keep the good from happening. She said that you have to stop and recognize what is going on. Then the light will shine, and the Evil One will scurry away like a cockroach that prefers to work in darkness. She taught me to say, “We know who you are. We know what you are trying to do, but you will not succeed, because our hearts and souls belong to God, so get away from us.” Ed and I would say this. Soon after, the trials would ease up, and we were able to continue with God strengthening us.
Now, when life overwhelms me, I have to remember to stop, notice and say out loud what my mom taught me. When I can do this, the darkness fades, and I feel the Son shine on me, giving me strength to continue doing good in this world until I reunite with Ed.
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Leonor “Leo” and Ed Rivera were members of the local Worldwide Marriage Encounter community for 32 of their 34 years of marriage until Ed unexpectedly died of a genetic heart defect on Aug. 1, 2020.
The 2026 Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends are June 5-7 and Nov. 20-22 at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua.
Tags: Catholic Marriage
