Mother Dear

Today my parents spontaneously came up for a visit, so I got to spend part of mothers day with the woman I admire most. For the last week I've been thinking a lot about my mom and wishing I had some of her strengths and talents. One evening after I had cleaned up the kitchen Mike said, "Wow, you made quick work of that!" I smiled proudly to myself as I thought of how quickly my Mom cleans up after each meal. It's like she snaps her fingers and everything is magically washed and put away. What I sometimes forget is the years of experience and practice it took for her to get to that point. I now feel like there's hope for me yet!

My Mom is a pretty special lady. She is absolutely beautiful and one of the most Christlike people I know. She has always been a great example of service and charity. She always worked for us with love and without expectation of thanks. My eyes have been opened since becoming a mother to all of the selfless service and sacrifices she made for us. She was happy to wear her old jeans for years so that we could enjoy new clothes. She quietly cleaned up after each meal when we were busy with sports, friends, and school. Looking back, I hardly ever remember her complaining.

My Mom was a great constant in my life growing up. She always met us at the crossroads. Before we left in the morning she would make sure we were full of homemade pancakes and spiritually fed as well with a quick scripture study and prayer. When we arrived home from school she was always there and the house would smell of homemade bread, cinnamon buns or fresh baked cookies.

My Mom has the patience of a saint. I don't remember her getting mad at us too often (except maybe when we deserved it). Even when I lied about an injury I got quadding (for fear of losing that privilege) she patiently waited for me to tell the truth because she knew my guilty conscience would get the best of me eventually. If we did things wrong, or didn't listen she never said too much, she just quietly carried on and waited for us to learn.

My Mom taught me how to live through her actions rather than words. She has always been an amazing example to me. I am so grateful for a mother who gave up an amazing career to stay home and teach us.  Ever since I was little I have always wanted to be a Mother. My mother instilled that desire in me through her example and love for the calling of Motherhood. I am so grateful for a mother who valued womanhood and homemaking and was able to pass that love on to me.  When I mother my children it is her that I try to measure up to. And so when my husband tells me I made quick work of the kitchen, or happily proclaims that my stuffing tastes just like my moms it makes my heart happy. Someday I hope to be just like her.

Happy Mother's Day Mamma!