Mother's Day 2009

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Good thing, because I would hate to rely on my own capabilities to raise fine posterity. It just so happens that about the time I get things figured out, I'm inevitably thrown a mothering curve ball. Who knew parenting could be so complicated?

Heavenly Father did! That is why his plan is so perfect. It allows for others to fill in for our shortcomings. Extended families and friends working together for a common goal. Teamwork!

I, for one, have been the beneficiary of many of my fellow villagers good works. Our family is fortunate to have the love and support of many good women, in particular. Women, who love and encourage my children the way they would their own. Women, whose strengths happen to be my weaknesses. Phew!

I hope my children will always recognize and be grateful for the influence of these "mothers" in their life. I know I will always remember the handful that have shaped my life for the better:

My mom has taught me about sacrifice. She went back to school and work when I was a young teenager. She studied late into the night and worked all day to help support our family. She continues to work now, even though I know she would rather be a full-time grandmother.

My Aunt Maxine always makes me feel loved. A birthday or holiday never passes without a card from her in the mail. She has continued the tradition with my children.

When I was little, she would visit us a few times every year. She always had a secret $20.00 bill stashed away that she claimed my Uncle Ray knew nothing about. She would take us to the mall and let each one of us four kids spend $5.00 on whatever we chose. There was nothing I looked forward to more than her visits. She seemed to love us like her own children.

My Nana taught me about charity. She lost both parents when she was a young girl and was raised by her siblings in less than ideal circumstances. Yet, she was the most generous and good-hearted person that I have ever known.

When I was a little girl, we would travel her neighborhood, doing favors, delivering goodies and just visiting with all of the "little old-ladies", as she would call them. Even though she was probably older than many of the people she served.

My Grandma Velma taught me how to be a matriarch of a family. She loved to gather her extensive family together for Sunday dinners, even though she was a notoriously bad cook. I hated the rainbow colored pork, casseroles made from whatever was hanging around in the fridge, and crystallized grape jelly and peanut butter sandwiches. But, I appreciated her efforts to gather her family. She had a large one. Seven children and thirty-three grandchildren.
I'm grateful for all the good times I had with cousins playing in her dress-ups in the back yard and swimming in her cement pool.

From Mrs. Timothy, my fifth grade teacher, I learned to recognize my talents. She singled me out and made me feel special. She was always interested in the stories I was writing and what I was drawing. I knew that she believed in me and what I could accomplish.

My mother-in-law, Sherrie, has taught me that happiness is a choice. She is lighthearted and fun regardless of her trials. She has loved me like a daughter since the moment I came into her family. I know she sees everything in from an eternal perspective.

Grandma Shirley, who is more like another mother to me than a grandma-in-law, has taught me how to love your family deeply. She was a great example to me on how to treat a husband. I'll never forget her phone calls, when I was newly married, checking to see if Reggie was getting fed enough. Because of her prompting, I have learned my way around a kitchen. But, I have also learned that food is a way to show your family that you care.

Both Sherrie and Shirley have taught me the value of hard work. They never seem to do anything begrudgingly. I know they love to serve their families because the smiles that are always on their faces.

Thank you to all the mothers that have touched my life! I love you!