My Mom

my mom with (from left) Matt, me, and Elliott, circa 1978

MOM OF THE DAY

Well, of course today's Mom of the Day is my very own Mom. You know, it's difficult to describe and pay tribute in words to the woman who has given me everything, including life itself, but I can easily tell you the things that I love about my Mom.
I believe that one of my mom's strongest characteristics is empathy. She seems to feel what others feel, to know their emotions and gauge their reactions and to somehow know just what people need without ever being told. I think empathy is what turns an ordinary woman into a mother, and my mom has enough to spare.
She has a tender way with children that I am so grateful for, not only because she was this way with me, but because she shows me how to be tender and gentle with my kids. She knows that even the smallest cuddles and reassurances are the things that build a child's character, and that harsh words never do anybody any good. When she visits, I feel the importance of those things as well. I still have such a long road ahead of me, raising these children, and it can be scary and daunting at times knowing that the burden of raising them to be good people largely rests upon my shoulders. But whenever she leaves, I feel recharged in my motherly duties, knowing that if my mom could do this, I can do it, too, and I can be better at it every day.
My mom is the most intelligent person I know (sorry, Neal). You can ask her anything about history, both ancient and recent, world issues, art, travel, literature, the gospel, child-rearing, etc., and she has an answer. The importance she places on education and the love that she shows for learning are perhaps the most inspiring things about my mom. When my youngest sibling started kindergarten, my mom went back to school. She drove a good 40 minutes each way to the local university so she could sit in a classroom and learn. She earned her Master's Degree while she raised six children, and did an impeccable job at both. Neal asked me last night what I'm going to do once all the kids are in school. My quick answer, "I'm going back to school." I remember discussing with my mom the scripture in our Doctrine & Covenants that says "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection" (D&C 130:18-19). She has taught me to believe that this is true, and that we should all do our best to educate ourselves as much as we possibly can.
My mom is still in love with my dad. I remember her saying that she still gets butterflies when he walks into the room. When he's sick, she thinks he looks cute. They're such a great match. They've been together since they were 15, and their marriage and her devotion to him is absolutely inspiring. Thanks, Mom for that.
My mom teaches through example in all aspects of her life. Because of her peaceful spirit, my childhood home was a quiet place where I felt safe. Because of her love of books, I grew to love learning. Because of her longing to travel, I have seen the world. Because of her strength, I have five incredible siblings, and because of her tenderness with me throughout my life, I have learned how to love my husband and my children.

She is as good as they come, and I hope that one day people will tell me that I'm just like her.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you.

my mom, helping the grandkids pick up rocks in her former backyard in California, 2003

My mom and dad took us all to Disneyland in 2004 (and every other time we visit). When they were 15, my parents went to Disneyland and decided to go steady. They have annual passes & still go now and again for date night.