Family Life Made Our Lives Notable

After a gathering of professional women in her academic field, Linda Kracht reflected on what really set them apart.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Chapter at the University of North Dakota. Yes, I was one of the founding fathers — excuse me, founding members — of this organization. I graduated in 1976 with a BS Degree in chemical engineering, and the historical records indicate I was the fourth or fifth woman to graduate with that degree from that university. There was only one other female student in my class, and she was there too.

We felt like pioneers of sorts, the kind the Dakotas are famous for. As we gathered, we laughed and told stories from of old while trying to identify and recall what this friendly face looked like 50 years ago! (We have all aged well, I might add.) A favorite professor from back then also attended the events, and I was honored to hear him tell a story about me which proved he actually remembered me. It was also great to meet and talk with the current SWE members. 

Professional talk gives way to discussions about faith and family

But like most gatherings, the talking soon turned personal. What are you doing today? How many children do you have? What are they doing? Do you have grandchildren? We even talked a little bit about our faith. The turn in the conversations reminded me of the following poem/prayer written by Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty.  

The most important person on earth is a Mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral — a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body. ... The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature. God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation. What on God’s  good earth is more glorious than this ... to be a mother. (Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty) 

Family life made our lives notable

While enjoying the memories and stories of accomplishments and difficulties, it’s obvious that family life is what made most of our lives notable. It’s not about money, fame, power, pride of social status, education: It’s about the fact that we really matter to someone for our lifetime, and they matter to us.

Indeed, our children are more magnificent than Notre Dame. And even when my life will end, my seven children (and 27 grandchildren) will still know who I am and honor me with their memories as mother and grandmother. And recall that I loved them! My hope is that they will be reunited with me and their father/grandfather before our Heavenly Father to give Him praise forever ever. That’s what motherhood is all about.  

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Copyright 2024 Linda Kracht
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