Protecting our moms for life

You are called by scripture to "Honor your father and mother." Researchers believe they have discovered a way in which even the blackest sheep in the family offers a life-long benefit to his or her mom. The full story is here, but the short version is that fetal cells remain in a mother for four or five decades and provide an extra boost to the system in dealing with immune problems.

As Dr. Diana Bianchi, chief of genetics for New England Medical Center in Boston puts it, a scientifically correct Mother's Day card might read, "Although you think I am far away, I am always with you." As the article above states,

It's not a far-fetched idea. These cells may behave like those famous embryonic cells: They can turn themselves into any cell mom needs. If she's got a bad heart, they can be healthy heart cells. Bad lungs? No problem, they can be lung cells. Fetal cells may be the ultimate repairmen (or repairwomen).

The news doesn't fit within the usual posts at Irenic Thoughts, but it seemed worth sharing.

If you were looking for something more inspirational, try a visit to the Faith Stories section of the Episcopal Church's website. The story there, Confessions of a Reluctant Apologist deals with a woman having to answer some faith questions on the fly from her sister-in-law. The other stories are also short and intriguing.

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church