A Tribute To My Mama

Since Mother’s Day is Sunday I thought I would blog about one of the most influential women in my life. How can you not give tribute to the woman who gave you life. You never really-really appreciate your mom until you have children of your own. Maybe its because mom never complained or maybe its because moms keep it a secret so our kids will have kids. . . but no one ever told me about being up all night feeding a baby, or all the crying and screaming (and that the babies do that too) and still being expected to clean and cook and wash and fold- and in our day, sew. I only remember running away once. I packed a big suitcase and walked down to Dan & Mary Lou’s and told them I wanted to live with them. I think I was about 6. Of course I was sent back home. Then there was time I ran away from home (after I was married) My mom gave me some good advice and then told me to go back home. (I’m glad I did) I always had the prettiest dresses at Easter, and the fanciest dresses for Prom & Homecoming dances. She made sure we had the latest fashions as we started school every year and for almost any event in between when I know that she probably only had one dress a year growing up. She had 9 brothers and sisters and lived in a Tent house a lot of the time. There was no money for Christmas or clothes or anything. She has devoted her life giving us the things she never had. Sadly I know there were times I made her cry, I hope there are more times I made her laugh. Over the years we have shared notes of sadness, happiness, and encouragement. The hardest thing I ever had to tell my mom was that Brian was coming home from his mission, the greatest love and compassion I have ever received from mom was when Brian came home from his mission. She’s the one I run to when anything goes wrong, or first one I want to tell when something great happens. It was after midnight one night when I told her Ed had proposed and it was on Mother’s Day 1975 I told her I was pregnant after trying for 5 years. She was in the recovery room at the Hospital when I shared the news I was having twins! She’s always been there for me – good times & bad times. She’s the one that picks me up when I am so down in the dumps I see no way out. Her strong testimony of the church and her dedication to church callings influenced mine and I will be forever greatful for her decision to become active in the church again. I know it wasn’t easy raising 6 kids but thanks mom for hanging in there and showing us patience and love and not giving up. I’m sure we gave you many reasons to.
Love you MOM Happy Mother’s Day!