My Sweet Mother

“A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”

My mother is my best girl friend. There is no doubt about that in my mind. But she is more than just a friend; she is my mother. She is the one person who sacrificed everything for me. I know my dad sacrificed so much too, but at the end of the day it was my mom who made the greatest sacrifice, at least in my opinion.
I know that everyone says this cliché at least once in his or her life, but in my case it’s true. My mother is the best. You just can’t find anyone else like her. If I can grow up to be even half of the woman that my mother was, then I am in good shape and have accomplished something pretty miraculous.
My mother grew up on a ranch/farm. Naturally, she learned the value of work from a young age. She always tried her hardest and did her best to instill this value within each of us as her own children. We never got the hang of it like she did, but eventually at least part of it rubbed off. We knew with my mom that sitting around being “bored” was never an option; there was always work to be done, and if the work was done, there was always fun to be had. She cringed when we said we were bored, and threatened to give us chores whenever we said this, because she knew that there is always so much to keep us active and going. I hear herself in me when I tell the kids I nanny that I can find something for them to help with when they complain saying they are bored. I see where my mom was coming with this. Growing up, I hated having Saturday chores and having to practice piano every weekday, but now I am truly grateful for it. I see how far I’ve come from these little responsibilities I had, and how they prepared me for the larger ones later in life.
My mom was the one who taught me about being a woman of virtue and integrity. She was always on her best behavior, and always being a steadfast example of righteousness, not just to me but to the world. Even in the little things that I so often never deemed as important, she would always act with integrity.
Gossip. It’s something that 99% of women do and even enjoy doing. Not my mom. I was so proud of my mom for never gossiping. I can say honest to goodness I never heard my mom speak one mean thing about someone, and definitely nothing untrue. She never belittled anyone and if we would gossip she would ask us to stop saying that it was never kind or right to talk about someone who was not there to defend himself or herself. I always knew that my “secrets” were safe with her and that she wouldn’t be spreading them to her friends for their entertainment like I saw so many moms do. I felt very blessed to have a mom who did not participate in any of this petty activity.
My mom taught me the importance of the gospel and how to implement it into my everyday life. She taught me with her words and showed me with her actions the blessings that came from living a worthy life. My mom was one of the main reasons I made it to the temple with my husband Tanner.
One thing that will always warm my heart is my mom letting me always know that I could always come home. Even if I had got myself into a bad situation, which believe me I did, she said that I would always be able to call her and have her come get me. And that I was always safe at home and that it would be a safe haven for me whenever I wanted it, and even when I didn’t. She never judged me even when I struggled, and was always there holding my hand and helping me on my journey. I never for a single second felt abandoned by her.
Now that I know about putting someone else above me, I realize this is what my mom did for each of her children, myself included, every day of her life. My mom barely had time for herself because she was always concerned with making sure we were taken care of and that we were happy and content. She made it a point to talk to us individually, at least once a week usually on Sundays, and spend great quality time with us, making sure that everything was okay and just talking and bonding. Of course she did this every day, but especially on Sundays she wanted one on one time with each of us. I am not too sure there are many parents who would give this kind of time to their teenager. I was and continue to be truly blessed having this wonderful woman to call my mother.
Nobody was as excited about my wedding day, of course besides Tanner and I, than my mother. That sweet, amazing woman did everything for me! She made all the plans, ran the errands, and helped me decide on the few things I did have to make decisions about. I can say I experienced no wedding stress because of all her help.
Anytime I was sad or lonely, she would come in my room and comfort me. She would give me back scratches, and talk to me and just make sure that I would be okay. Talking to her always made me feel better and it still does. I always know that advice my mom gives me is always going to be correct because she is so pure in heart. I don’t know anyone who wants to do well and does well more than she does. She truly is an inspiration to me.
I love going to the temple with her because I always know how much she loves being there. I wish I lived closer to her because then I would make sure we went together all the time. I cherish the few times I do get to go with her!
Have you ever met one of those people that whenever they talk about what they know to be true, better known in the church as sharing their testimony, you can’t help but cry? That’s me with my mom. I literally bawl without fail, every time that she shares her sweet, pure testimony. I have never heard one quite like it. In the few minutes of her sharing it, I know without a shadow of a doubt the church is true. Hearing her testimony remains one of my favorite things ever.
My mom has this genuine kindness about her. There is nothing fake about it. In fact, I can swear that I have never seen her be “fake” to anyone. It’s just not something she does, or would ever even have to do. I wish I could say as much for me, maybe one day! It’s so endearing. It always made us comfortable to bring people into the home, regardless of their appearance or background, because we knew they’d receive a huge warm welcome from my mom.
My mom was always one of the few people I felt totally comfortable opening up to and crying about something or celebrating something with. She always gave me a shoulder to lean on, quite literally, and never judged my friends or me about anything I told her. That was truly an inspiration to me and continues to be.
The only part I dislike about marriage; and not even about marriage, but about the fact I got married, was having to move so far away from my family. I guess it could be worse. I could be living in China or Timbucktwo. But I wish I could see more of them. I am almost always fine but randomly will really miss my family; especially my mom!
You know how I truly know my mother is a Saint? Besides first hand experience, I know so because everyone else tells me so. I can’t tell you how many people have told me that my mom is the sweetest person they know. I hope this is said about me someday. I was blessed with the mother I so desperately needed and I thank my lucky stars for it every day. Without her I would be nowhere close who I am today.