The Powerful Bond Between A Boy And His Mama

Have you ever bothered to see what historical figure shares your birthday? My son is about to transition into double digits in a few weeks on March 6, and I have been feeling extremely sentimental over this significant milestone. I decided I wanted to see if there was any person from history who perhaps shared my son's birthday.

Considering all the people in the world, both past and present, I was quite surprised to encounter that my son shares his birthday with the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo. Upon discovering this truth, I started to examine the shared commonalities between my son and this giant from the annals of Italian history; I was surprised to find out they have a lot in common.

There is nothing more my son loves than to be working with his hands creating something....anything. From miniature worlds made solely of things in nature to watching animals in their natural habitat and recreating them on canvas, creativity permeates every ounce of my son's being. In many ways, he represents a 10-year-old 21st Century Renaissance Man. Michelangelo would be proud.

Beyond the shared traits of creativity and love for the arts, they both share an immense bond; their love for their Mamas.

I will never forget standing in front of Michelangelo's famed masterpiece, La Pieta, in St. Peter's Basilica, in Vatican City. While admiring the legendary piece of artwork, my guide interrupted my thoughts by telling a story that stopped me in my tracks.

As a young boy, Michelangelo was raised by a loving mother and father. His relationship with his mama was unusually strong; a love that can only be understood between a son and his mama. The very same relationship I share with my sweet boy. However, when he was at the tender age of six, his mother fell fatally ill. This event shaped Michelangelo and would mark a pivotal moment in his life, one that, quite arguably, he would never recover.

While gazing at the pensive face of Mary, as she holds the limp body of Christ, her very son, my guide goes on to reveal, that legend has it, the face of Mary depicts the face of Michaelangelo's mother, according to his memories as a boy. In addition, carved delicately in the opened palm of her left hand, in tribute, Michaelangelo, carved the simple and profound word, "Mama."

Choking back tears, I was deeply moved by this beautiful tribute that a historical giant, such as Michaelangelo, was just a boy, grieving the loss of his mama. If you have a son, whether you realize it or not, your influence in his life, as a mama, will go beyond his childhood; it will shape the future man, husband, and daddy he may become. Cherish this honored role. Work to build a bond that will never be broken in the hopes that you are raising the next great historical figure who could very well go on to change the world.

Do you share that same bond with your son(s)? I would love for you to share a testimony, in the comments below, of the unique bond between a mother and her son.

If you have always wanted to visit the masterpieces of Renaissance artists such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, or Raphael join my family as we explore beautiful Italy!

Click here to learn more about our March 2021 trip to Italy.

Ciao,

Betsy