I talk with my own mom pretty frequently, just to chat, catch up and tell her I love her. She has been a wonderful example to me of a great mom. Perfect? NO! GREAT, YES!!!! In a recent phone conversation, she was bemoaning the fact that she didn't take a lot of time to teach us cooking, sewing etc. But I will say this woman did a lot of both those things and I learned a lot just by sitting by her and watching, maybe even without her knowing. I also know my Grandma Gwendolyn was a great cook and amazing gardener, teaching her kids these important skills for life helped them which helped us. Generations later we are benefiting from the things taught to our parents.
My Grandma Gwen died when I was only a few months old. So I never knew her, but I've been told stories and feel I know the kind and wonderful person she was. My mom has told me, that my laugh is a lot like Grandma Gwendolyn's. I was told this in my early 20's and I'll never forget that. Because my mom says her moms laugh was boisterous and infectious. I like being outside (when the weather is nice here in AZ) and watching things grow. Seeing something I planted have produce or just beautiful leafs. Makes me happy to have another connection with Grandma Gwendolyn.
My mom and dad had 6 kids, 2 miscarriages and a lot of challenges to even getting started with a family. I admire my mom's determination to have kids and to love us all equally and in our differences. She taught us through her love that we are great. As a kid I remember spending hours upon hours in the backyard, playing restaurant, weddings, school, store and so much more, almost all of these having to do with tomato's that grew in abundance in the garden. My mom watched us play while she cleaned dishes and made dinners. I didn't know she was paying any kind of attention to us silly kids but she watched with a smile and totally laughed to herself at us kids from the kitchen window.
She was a PTA president, counsel member and helper at our elementary school for years, and not during the easy years when all the kids are in school and theirs time to sit at home. Nope she was pregnant with my little brother and then after she had him, still a PTA President with baby in tow. She amazes me!!!
She taught piano for MANY years to bring in extra income to support missionary sons and daughters. She also taught Seminary to the teens in our small home town. This is no easy task!!! Teaching gospel principles to teens, some of which were stinkers. And the prep time going into that is enormous. Most seminary teachers get paid, but not those in a small LDS community, it's volunteer work. She is such a great example of service and love for others. We often had friends staying with us for days, weeks and even months at a time until they got on their feet. She was in the Young Woman Program while I was a teen and I tell you that was so much fun! I wasn't a teen who thought my mom was cool, but I always thought she was outstanding! As a teen, I always payed close attention to the things she said and felt they were important. I'm trying to be a mom that says things to my kids that are uplifting and helpful. I fail often but I'm working on it.
Now that all us kids are grown, married, having kids of our own...we still all love to talk with mom and crave that continual connection that was forged so strongly in our childhood. Our mom is a huge part of who we are today and who we continue to strive to be.
Thank you mom for being a fantastic example of Christ like love.
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