Sunday, May 11, 2008I know I'm not a perfect mother... I make mistakes and sometimes don't have the most patience. But I do know I would give the world to my boys, if I could. Being a mother means great sacrifice and selflessness. In church this morning, we were told that a mother's prayers reach Heavenly Father quicker than anyone else's... and that is because she always prays for those around her, never asking for her own blessings. My mom was a GREAT example of this.
Growing up my mom always put us first, making sure we had everything we needed... and wanted. Sometimes this meant she would find clothing on sale, and wear them for several years... at the time, I didn't realize it was just so we could wear the latest up-to-date namebrands. Regardless of how trivial, if my mom knew something was important to us, she found a way to make it happen... like my choir trip to Disney World, even though I didn't take advantage of any of the fundraising opportunities... and my 8th grade graduation gift, a trip to Delaware to visit a family friend by myself, knowing her own fear of flying would keep her in knots until I safely landed... and that stereo I just HAD to have, with the gigantic speakers and record player on top, so I could blare my favorite Madonna and Cyndi Lauper cassettes that made her cringe... and all of the ballet and tap dance recitals, 4H meetings, soccer practices and games, brownie and girl scout meetings, band and choir recitals, cross country and track meets she had to endure. Holidays were big in our house... we never missed a single easter egg hunt or tree trimming, everything was always so magical and special. And to this day, I cannot figure out just how she had the patience to pack us four children up and into the family stationwagon every summer... just to hear us fight and complain until we made it to our vacation spot, not to mention all the potty breaks (of course, we all had to go at different times). As a little girl, my mom bought me the prettiest Sunday dresses, brushed my hair and taught me what it meant to be a lady. I never knew the extent of my mom's sacrifices, until I became a mom myself. And until then, I never understood the depth of her love. I only hope that I can pass her example down to my own children.
'A beautiful, modest, gracious woman is creation's masterpiece. When to these virtues a woman possesses as guiding stars in her life righteousness and godliness and an irresistible impulse and desire to make others happy, no one will question if she be classed among those who are truly great.' -David O. Mckay
Happy Mother's Day to all you selfless mommies!! Our job isn't an easy one, I wish you the strength and patience to continue all that you do!
