Wednesday, November 12, 2008

They had been taught by their mothers...
















Yesterday was my Mom's 80th birthday. I love MY Mom. She is amazing. Almost everything I hold dear I learned from her. She was not the mother that gave me life, but she is the mother that gave a purpose to my life. I met her when I was 14. She had a heart big enough to love all the almost 200 youth in our stake. She had a testimony to share with us and a calling to watch over us. A calling she took very seriously.
My fondest memories of MY mom are the ones when she was sacrificing her time and talents to serve the Lord, and she let me tag along. I loved helping her with YW conferences, Youth Conference, Snow Carnivals, Girls Camp. Every one of these activities strenghtened my testimony. Not just attending or spending hours making handouts, or cookies, but watching MY Mom sacrifice out of love for OUR Savior. We had so many great talks late into the night.
MY Mom was also the Mom all the friends loved. Oh sure sometimes she made us crazy with the 20 questions, 3rd degree and guilt trips, but we KNEW she loved us. She let us party at our house all the time. never complaining, and often times hanging out with us.

My Mom taught me to love and serve the Lord.

My Mom taught me about family. My Mom taught me about loving family, sacrificing for family, about being there for family. My mom worked hard all day and came home at 7 pm and worked hard at home, taking care of us. I remember many nights when she did not feel well, but she set her feelings aside. I know she went with out a lot of her own dreams to let us have ours. She taught us the importance of extended family. Reunions were here priorities. Her door was always open to anyone. (we often joke that there house is the Fillmore hotel, but we would have it no other way) Holidays were important to her and she made sure she never left anyone out.
MY mom and MY dad have been married for almost 60 years. They aren't perfect, but they love each other, and that love inspires me.

MY Mom taught me to love and serve family.

MY mom is a pilar of strength, a beacon of light and a fountain of faith! I am so grateful for he example, sacrifice and love. MY Mom IS all the things I hold dear.

I was taught by a mother, and I have NO DOUBT MY mother knew it!

I love you Mom! Thanks for all the sacrifices!