Thursday, September 4, 2014
Mom was and is so many things to so many people.
First and foremost, mom knew she is a child of God. She followed the teachings of Jesus Christ and demonstrated this through love. Whenever she was asked how she was making it through any trial in her life, she said with faith. I’m so thankful that she opened the door to the LDS missionaries, for her example and the faith that she shared.
Who was my mom?
Mom was a daughter. She didn’t have an easy childhood but she chose to make every one else’s life better. I know she was greeted with loving arms from her mom and her father who she loved and missed dearly.
Mom was a sister who cared deeply for her seven siblings. All who left this earth before her and I’m sure are rejoicing to be reunited with their sister.
Mom was a wife who adored her husband. I was reminded of a story this week of my mom and I going to Howard and Tova Johnsons home one afternoon. When they answered their door, I proclaimed, “I’m getting a daddy!” My mom found her prince charming who didn’t just love her, he loved and cared for her ten children. Dad left this earth before mom and I know he has been waiting for his beautiful bride and companion.
Mom is mom to 14 children. Hers, His and theirs! She loved each of us dearly, taught us the principals of love. She put the needs of her children before her own. She worked tirelessly to ensure we had what we needed. Early on she would stay up late at night making us clothing, or Christmas gifts, or caring for a sick child. There are so many stories to be told, and each is a story of love. She loved doing things for her family and wanted nothing more for us to all love one another, regardless of our differences.
Mom is a mother-in-law who made all the “married ins” feel like another one of her children. She loved and supported her children’s individual families.
Mom was a grandma and great grandma. She leaves behind an incredible legacy. One of her grandsons described her so well by saying, “Grandma accepted and loved me for who I was. She never judged me, she just loved me.” There are countless stories, including her tradition of dressing up as the Easter Bunny each year and throwing the most wonderful Easter Egg hunts ever.
Mom was a friend. I loved to see my mom interact with her friends, the way she smiled, and made everyone around her feel important and special. Even with a large family, she found time to do the little things to let her friends know she cared.
Mom was an artist. My sister-in-law put it best, “Mom didn’t just paint with oil, every thing she touched she left a beautiful impression.”
I love you mom.
