In Honor of Mother's Day - My Mom

My Mom's high school graduation photo- Isn't she beautiful?

A Lifetime of Learning from My Mother

I watched you, Mom, get up every single morning and go out every single evening no matter what for the last 25 years to help my dad on the farm,
And I learned PERSEVERANCE.

I watched you, Mom, choose to bear and raise a large family in an nonsupporting world,
And I learned LOVE.

I watched you, Mom, as you stayed up late finishing up housework and preparing for the next day, knowing you would only get a few hours of sleep,
And I learned DEDICATION.

I watched you, Mom, take our last jar of food and make a feast to give to someone in need, watch someones rowdy children so their mother could have a moment of silence even though you already had a house full, or give your car away to a family who needed it more,
And I learned SELFLESSNESS.

I watched you, Mom, stand immovable and steadfast in your beliefs, wanting to share the gospel with everyone you met, everyday, no matter what, my entire life,
And I learned INTEGRITY.

I watched you, Mom, as you ironed your temple clothes so carefully each month in preparation for your monthly temple trip,
And I learned OBEDIENCE.

I watched you, Mom, figure out bills and balance the check book each payday as a look of uncertainty crossed your face, and then you would write your tithing check first with confidence, And I learned FAITH.

I watched you, Mom. sit down and relax on a quiet afternoon, and as your eyes fell closed in complete exhaustion,
And I learned COMMITMENT.

I watched your dedication, Mom, to Family Prayer and Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening,
And I learned CONSISTENCY.

I watched you, Mom, wipe our fevered brows, wash our bloody knees, or wipe away our tears,
And I learned SECURITY.

I watched you, Mom, as your own tears of sadness and joy slid silently down your cheeks,
And I learned COMPASSION.

I watched you always find the inner strength to smile through everything,
And I learned TRUE BEAUTY,

I watched you, Mom, laugh and play and make us cookies and read to us,
And I learned JOY.

I watched you love my children in the exact same unconditional way,
And I learned TRUE LOVE.

My Mom, 10 kids and 29 years later (taken in the year 2000). Isn't she still beautiful?

Thank you, Mom, for a lifetime of learning. I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!