Me Mudders

I just spent an interesting day as a Missionary.  I sat by a single mom of 4, knowing that those 4 little ones barely had any food to eat for breakfast.  They were excited to go to Primary because they would be able to make their mom a card, since they had nothing at home to make her one.  I listened to a gentleman in his 80's, sitting next to his wife he cares for physically and mentally, talk of the treasures of their love.  He also spoke of the happiest times of his life being that of a parent to little children.  I visited a sister in a rehab unit, who extended an invitation to come and visit with her often, her loneliness reflected in her tears and voice.  I received a text from a young woman I'm working with that gave her baby up, and told me that today was a good day because she was just released from jail.  She asked me if she was of any worth to anyone, I said - you made a difference in your child's life by giving him to parents praying for a miracle, that makes you someone awesome in my life.  She said - no one's ever told me that before.  I kinda just want to write a bit about some special mom's in in my life - because without them, I wouldn't be who I am today.  Mostly because I never want to let them down for their sacrifices made in making sure I never forgot to give all that I am away - an in that concept - find pure joy.  My Grandmothers, Elizabeth & Elsie - I carry you in my heart daily.  To my Mom - June - to whom I owe all things great and small and everything inbetween.  To my Mother-in-Law - who defied all odds and raised a good son.  To my daughters, Mandy and Ashley - one caring for her first born, one planning on her first born - each possessing skills of love and tenderness beyond my imagination.  To my Daughter in Law Bethany - oh how my lucky stars aligned the day I was blessed to have you be mine.  The next generation of Mom's - Sweet Em... you have the best examples of moms ever within the two families you belong to.  To my sister in law - who loves my brother without hesitation, without killing him, and without guile - ever - thank you.  To my sister in law Karin - mother also to my children - your love is unlimited - and never goes unnoticed.  To my sweet neice - thanks for leading the way on how to have very handsome little boys.  To the in law moms to my children's spouses - Pam, Kathy, and Ruth -  wow - you are all amazing - and have given us the best of the best. And one final shout out to Gma Mackay... you are a rockstar.  There is much to be given back to these people in my eyes.  I learn from each of you every single day.  Each week I serve - the most important thing I do - is to build up the hearts of the mothers in my ward.  They hold in their arms the future of this world.  I tell them they are loved, they are valued, and they are extremely important as a Daughter of God.  To my mom - I love you, I am you, will strive to become more like you - only I'll actually wear the hearing aids, and keep my glasses where I can find them at all times.  I love my children - that allowed me the greatest honor of all - to be their mom.  I promise to be an embarrassment always - and yes, I will require patterns on my depends when I get older.  you have brought me light, and joy, and love.  Thanks for choosing me.  Only heaven knows why! (: