Tudo Passa: Finding Strength and Gratitude in Motherhood

As we step into November, it’s hard to believe another year is already drawing to a close. Every passing year seems to slip by faster, especially as I watch my little ones grow (who, honestly, aren’t so little anymore).

Just last month, my four-year-old son went through a tonsillectomy. Although it’s considered a straightforward procedure, his recovery was emotionally challenging for me. I vividly remember him waking up from anesthesia, reaching for his throat in confusion, trying to “remove” whatever strange sensation he felt. Those first few days were tough—he needed pain medication every few hours, and I was there, helplessly watching his discomfort. I’ll never forget him asking for pizza on that first night home, only to be told he could only have liquids. His longing, mixed with my helplessness, tugged at my heart. For two weeks, he was on a strict recovery diet, and I felt like those days would never end. But in those moments, I remembered the comforting words of a dear friend: “tudo passa”—a phrase in Portuguese meaning “everything passes.”

Of course, I know there are far more serious situations that people face—heartbreaking challenges that put everything into perspective. Yet even these smaller struggles have taught me patience and resilience. It was a reminder I’d held onto from a year ago when my youngest daughter was dealing with the coxsackie virus. She was barely eating or sleeping, and I spent countless nights holding her close, trying to soothe her tears so we could both find some rest. This was barely weeks after I had been in the hospital myself, still in recovery, trying to muster the strength to care for my three-month-old. Yet through it all, I clung to those words: “tudo passa.”

So many times in life, we face moments that feel like they’ll never end. The struggles linger, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But each of these moments does pass, and with each one, we come out stronger. You find yourself braver, more resilient, and maybe even more connected to your faith, realizing that God was with you all along.

“Tudo passa.”  I’ve come to embrace this phrase not only in difficult times but in the precious moments, too. It’s a reminder to slow down, to savor every second with my children because I know they won’t always be this small. One day, they won’t be calling “mom” as often or needing me by their side. They won’t forever want me to sit beside them as they fall asleep or reach up to be held. And knowing that has made me hold on a little longer.

So, for now, I’ll sit with my son until he drifts off to sleep, and I’ll keep holding my daughter even when my arms grow tired because I know these moments are fleeting. Right now, they’re at an age where I’m probably their favorite person, and I’m going to soak it all in. Because everything passes. The hard times, the good times, and all the beautifully ordinary moments in between. Tudo passa.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”— 2 Corinthians 4:17-18