Home
News & People
Mormon Voices
Arts & Entertainment
Around The Church
Studies & Doctrine
Mormon Living
The following Mother's Day tributes have been submitted by our readers.
Sabrina – colors of the rainbow
Mom, I love you so much! All moms are like blue or purple and even orange! But you are red the #1 mom on the rainbow! I hope you have a great day. Love you forever, Makaela.
– Makaela
Colleen – Like the Sun
My mother is steady like the sun. She is dependable; always there for me. When the clouds are in the way and you cannot see the sun, you still know it's there. When we cannot see each other, I still know she is there for our family. I want her to know that the same will be true when the time comes that she needs me. I will be there for her. I am so thankful that she is my Mom. I love you Mom!
– Sabrina, Mapleton
Margaret or Mom – WoW
Wow Mom. The lady who never understood,never could see where I came from. What a Lady. She was Bipolar and still she loved as best she could. She had a hard life, made some bad decisions but she loved when she could and said she was sorry after she couldn't. I learned so much from her did not even know it until she was gone way to early. I look in the mirror every morning and see my Mom. I now know that the loss of two of her children before age two made her love the other two even more. She lost her third six month after her sudden death. But I know she really just has them all together now and she can show her love as she wanted to when she was here on earth. I miss my Mom so much ,but she left me strong and knowing how much she really loved me. In every trial I have faced I remember her advice and example. My children know her almost as well as I did,because she left pictures and letters that she could not share when alive. She is watching over us with love.
– Angel , Abilene Texas USA Earth
Olive – I wouldn't be here without you!
Thank heavens for Mothers! (Fathers, too!) As I look at my own wife, Suzanne, I watch her carefully and think back and realize what My Mother did to get me here! First of all, she kept herself clean from the world and Married my Father in an LDS Temple so we could be an Eternal Family. My two older brothers were born deaf and she was told by her doctor to NOT have any more children! That's where I came in! Yes, I was #3 of 9 children! My mother risked her life to have me, and with my Father faithfully by her side, raised me to become a happily married man with a wife of my own who gave me 8 Sons who now call her Mother! Mother, you are in Heaven, but you are always on my mind and in my heart! Thank you for my creation and in bringing me here according to God's Plan of Life! I love you Mother, Alan
– Alan , Orem, Utah
Edipah – Surprised Teacher
Going through nursing school was hectic Anatomy and Physiology was time consuming. In our culture, we use mutton/lamb and my mom could butcher a sheep without difficulty. I started to explain and name parts of the sheep but I was surprised that she knew every organ, muscle, veins, etc. She could name them and knew what it did. She did not speak English and I am positive that if she had formal schooling, she would have made an excellent doctor. She was the best teacher I've ever had, not only for school but in life. I miss her, we were becoming good friends.
– Yahabah, Albuquerque, NM
To all mothers in the world – What is Mother
Mommy, Mummy ,Mom , Maman, Madre, Mama These are few names which our mothers are called. Caring without end, sharing with every child. One she cares for with deep devotion. Tenderly, affectionately she shares herself to each member of her family. Protects her loved ones with a deep abiding love. Priceless is she in the sight of God. Eternal partner is she with him for time and all eternity.
– Eliane (that is the right spelling), Mesa, Arizona
Pin – to the mother of my children
How can I ever express my gratitude for all you have done for my four children. All of the sacrifice and pain and you never waiverd in your devotion! In this day of a disposable everything you taught my children the two most important things in life; 1. To love unconditionally and 2. To never quit. Thanks my eternal sweetheart and I hope in some way this will make your day a little better. Love ya B
– Bryan , Ogden
Momma – My youngest daughter sentiments to me.
"My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune"--Graycie
– Carolyn , Vernal in Utah
Barbara – I'm not sleeping I'm just resting my eyes
Christmas of 2002 gifted my family love and memories. It was all due to my mom's tireless efforts, although that Christmas was more physically demanding for her because her weekly chemotherapy treatments had left her body weak and frail. Christmas eve night after a wonderful filling dinner and while visitng as a family mom lay on her couch with her eyes closed. We respectfully chuckled as we knew she must have been so physically drained. We commented on how she had fallen asleep, amidst the noise. Without opening her eyes, she simply said, "I'm not sleeping I am just resting my eyes!" Although she was not physically visiting with us, she was still aware of us, and knew what was being said. Nine and a half months later she passed through the veil to the other side, receiving the rest her body needed. At her viewing my brothers commented on how she looked so peaceful, as if she were sleeping. Someone in our family simply said, "She's not sleeping, she's just resting her eyes!" The truth of that statement comforts us, as we miss her physically but we know she IS just resting her mortal eyes!
– Lisa, Orem UT
Mamá – Feliz Día
Que tengas un feliz día mamá. Gracias por todo, aunque esté lejos por acá igual un gran abrazo. Te quero mucho.
– Yamil, Santiago, Chile
Marie – without guile
Mom left this earthly existence 6 LONG weeks ago. Although she was not a very big woman, she has left a vast void in our lives. We were so lucky that she was our mother and grandmother. Mom was the exemplar that we should all live by. She never said a bad word about anyone. Her actions were always quiet and she allowed those around her to take the glory. She was an example of true humility and unconditional love. Mom did not tell us how to live, instead she showed us! Being around her couldn't help but make you a better person. Our home was always welcomed to friends and family. Even though we did not have a lot of material things growing up, she made the most of everything - whether it was redesigning hand-me-down clothes that others would envy or canning everything grown in our oversized garden. We were truly the richest and most blessed of all. Mom, this Mother's Day is going to hard because we will not see you. However, we know that your spirit will be near us. Thanks for making this mortal experience WONDERFUL!
– Barbara, Layton, UT
Merrijane, Amy and Alisa – Precious Daughters of God
My tribute is to three of the most fabulous mothers I know, my three daughters. They are truly daughters of God who follow His teachings closely in the raising of their children. They are serious about their responsibilities as Mothers. They sing to their children, read to them and teach them daily gospel lessons. They have patience and love and display the Light of Christ in their daily interactions with their Children.
– Anne , Woods Cross, Utah
Barbara
I just wanted to let you know that you are an inspiration to me and even though I don't say it enough, I am glad you are my sister, and I love you. You are a fabulous wife, mom, and grandma, even though you don't get the recognition you deserve. Without you in our family, we would be very lonely. Happy Mother's Day.
– Vickie
Doris
I just wanted to say "I love you, mom." Even though you have left this Earth seven years ago, you are still very close in my heart. I miss talking to you on the phone, and asking for advice, and sending you funny cards (and getting some funny cards from you). You are truly a hero and inspiration to me in the times that you struggled with your illness, and tried to be so independent. Thanks for bein my mom.
– Vickie , Provo, UT
Jennifer – Go for your dreams
Jennifer, you recognized your dream of a forever family and the values you hold so dear even when your prince charming decided he did not desire the same. You have shown your children the better way like your mother did for you. Because you have shown them the better way and fought for you values and dream makes you one of the best mothers around. Love you
– Scott, Clinton, UT
One of Many Mothers
When we think of the word mother we think of the women that gave birth to us,the one who brought us into this world,the women that everyone else calls mother, the women who gave us life.On many occasions we enter this world with this mother and without choice or any say are left to live our life's without her because of different circumstances or choices made.These are the trials in our life's that we learn and grow from.We fill this emptiness with the loving and caring of other mothers around us willing to take us under their wing as though their own.This could be friends mothers, teachers,Young Women teachers,a caring neighbor who is a mother,a sister etc..We can learn and grow from these experiences and truly be better mothers because of them.On this mothers day may we honor those mothers who filled the empty spot in our life's and were mothers to us by choice not by chance.May we celebrate not the emptiness of not having a mother but the fullness of all the many mothers we were blessed with through our life's.May we remember those mothers in our life's who showed us what a loving mother would feel like and gave us the example to be a mother our self's of true unconditional love.May mothers day be a happy celebration for all us women as we remember the loving care of "ONE OF THE MANY MOTHERS" that were part of our life's.He never said life would be easy, he only said it would be worth it.
Mom – Truth be told
Mom = awesome.
– Samuel, Florida
Faye – A Disciple of Christ
Mom is a Disciple of Christ. As it says in Alma 37:36 "Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever."
That is my mom. She has always been the greatest example of faith and Christ like behavior that I have known. Her life has not been easy. She is 79 and entered this earthly existence October 1929 at the beginning of the Great Depression and has been through much physical pain and personal heartache in her life. All of which she has met with faith in the Lord and a cheerful countenance.
She has served the Lord faithfully since she embraced the gospel of Christ. She magnifies whatever calling she is asked to do whether it be fulfilling the many Church missions at the Church Historical Department, her visiting teaching, teaching gospel doctrine. Going beyond that she serves those around her with countless visits to the sick, notes of encouragement and supporting her four children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in word and deed.
Mom, you are the greatest example to me of a truly Christlike life. Thank you for leading the way for our family in all things good.
– Colleen, Saratoga Springs, UT
Faye – Thanks for the memories
Mom,
It's hard to put into a few words how much you mean to me. You've been the best example of what a woman of God is suppose to be. You've served and loved constantly despite living with constant pain and without complaint. Whenever I start to get lazy or think "I can't do that" I see you going about doing daily service to others and to the Lord. I learned to love RS because you do, I've learned to love the temple and family history becaues you do. Thanks for being one of God's choicests daughters and my mom.
– Sheila, SLC, UT
Laura – A Familiar Voice
On Wednesday, March 23rd, while working in my home office, answering my daughter Trina’s email, I heard a familiar voice. I had sent a story to Trina called “Mom the Counselor” on Tuesday. While responding, I heard a voice that said: “Tom”. This was a familiar voice that I knew well. It seemed to be coming from down the hall, in the living room.
Immediately I answered “Yes” and stood up. Looking to my left out the window I saw my wife, Kathy, who had just pulled up after driving her school bus. Kathy was standing a few feet from her bus. I wondered how I could hear her voice as close as the living room when she was standing in the front yard.
Then I started to think who else could be calling to me, a voice that I knew well. Immediately I felt it was Mom’s voice. How could this be, she passed away thirty five years ago. Kathy then walked through the doorway, in the front room, and said: “Hi”, I knew then that it wasn’t her voice that I had heard.
Later in the evening, while we were laying bed I just had to ask, if she had called to me while she was standing by her school bus. She said that she didn’t. I knew that it had been my mother’s voice I heard. The reason was left for me to discover.
On Thursday, March 24th, sitting and doing work at my computer, something prompted me to go and open the temple work briefcase that Dad left me. As I opened the briefcase a warm feeling came over me. I reached in and pulled out a blue floppy disc from the back pocket. At first, I could only read the words: “Tom Baker Family Backup” in the enclosed case. Next I went to the front compartment and pulled out great great Grandma’s family information. I also found in the same, pocket a green floppy disc case with a disc that said: “Tom Baker Family Backup”.
So, immediately I looked again at the blue case. The words on the disc “Family Backup” had a line drawn through it. The words below read “Temple Ready”. I forgot that when I went to the Family Research Library, I didn’t have an extra disc when I was doing the work. I decided to erase one, and use it for the temple ready work.. Kathy and I had talked earlier in the week, she had mentioned that we needed to go to the temple on Friday. I knew that I had some work to turn in and complete, but never had a clue how really important it was.
On Friday, March 25th, Kathy and I took the disc and went to the temple. We had decided to do whatever work that we needed to complete. I handed the disc to the sister at the family names desk. When she printed the information, only one name appeared. Sarah Taylor my great great grandmother needed to be sealed to her parents. This was not the Des Moines Ward’s sealing night at the temple. We decided to get dressed and go up to the sealing rooms. The Woodinville 3rd Ward was in need a third sealing couple, they had four couples scheduled and only two had arrived. Kathy handed the ordinance form to the temple sealer. He put it on top of the female names to be sealed to their parents.
After the sealer, sealed two couples for time and all eternity, he asked Kathy to kneel at the alter, as a proxy, for great great grandma. As he gave the sealing prayer tears filled my eyes, remembering her picture on the living room wall.
This room was, also the same location where I heard Mom call out my name earlier on Wednesday. I knew then how important it was that Sarah Taylor be sealed to her parents. The sealing powers of the temple are real, that evening my great great grandmother was sealed to them, for time and all eternity.
– Tom , Federal Way, Washington
Kay'e' – What really makes a MOM?
I came into this world with a purpose I'm sure. Among the paths I've been down, I can be just as sure there were a few I shouldn't have been. Now that I have the gift of motherhood I understand that although she didn't raise me, I know that for the few years she did have me she loved me. She taught me what it felt like to be hugged, kissed, and belong. Life seperated us when I was barely 4; but she remained in my heart always, she was my mother. I found her again in life and although we don't always see much of each other the love is there. I learned the most precious thing I ever could have from a woman who thought for so many years that she wasn't good enough to teach me anything. Now as I raise my 7 children and LOVE them and hug them, and assure them through lifes lessons that a mothers love is always strong, always committed, always there, I recall that even for the brief time I had mine that's what I learned to pass on to the next. I LOVE YOU MOM...even when I don't say it every day, week, or even month. It's in my heart forever, with you.
– Susan , Olyphant, PA
Aunt Mary – Oh....to be a woman like her...
My Aunt Mary was sunshine personified, more a mother to me than my biological one. Always interested in your life, always your most ardent cheerleader, a fiercely loyal, devoted fan of her family and friends, she made you believe you were the most wonderful creation God had ever made. She dismissed your concerns over your own limitations and believed you could always move your mountains. I pray that I can be an aunt like her, a mother like her, a woman as loving, and as loved, as her. She has taken her sunshine back to heaven now, and we all miss her terribly. She is irreplaceable.
– Kathy , South Jordan, Utah
bep – never to say "NO"
Hi
My mom is the best mom in the world. If any one of her 4 children need something sh eis right there to help us out. Not only is she the best mom, she is still working as a CNA 2 days a week at a nursing home in Bountiful. Maybe that is not strange to you, but she is 78 years young herself. She is almost older then the people she helps there.She is always busy knitting, and planning dinner parties for her family.
– rita , Kaysville, Utah
Connie – The best mom in the world
I love my Mom she is the best Mom in the world we have had so much fun together.and she is my number one fan and she has been my support. Happy Mother's Day mom I Love you
– Elizabeth , Laguna Niguel, Ca
Alois – One of a kind!
My dear mother, Alois was the kindest,thoughtful and most considerate woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. What I would have given to have more time with her, had I known that she would leave this world so quickly and so young. I have struggled everyday to find my way and have not discovered anything or anyone that gives me as much contentment as the relationship I shared with my mother, Alois. For those of you that still have your moms out there...no matter the circumstances...reach out to her more, talk to her more,care for her and show her small gestures of love and kindness...more. When you loose her...you will never be the same. I look forward to the day that we will meet again. Blessings~
– Patti, Southeast
Dorothy – A Mother Who was always there
My mother came running whenever I needed her! She was a stay at home mom all my life and when I got married and started having children she was always available to come and help me. With my first child we had only a 1 bedroom place and she rented a roll away bed and slept in the living room and kept the baby with her. Whenever Kimberly would cry, she would bring her to me to nurse and then come and get her for burping and cuddling until she fell asleep again. She did that for several nights. At the time Kimberly was 6 weeks old I had a ruptured appendix and was in the hospital for 10 days, but there was my mom up to Utah from California in record time to take care of my 6 week old infant. Even after being released, I couldn't lift my baby for several weeks, so my sweet mother gave up her time to be at home with my dad & sister, to help me around my home while my husband worked. As each child came into our family, she was always there to help out and cook dinners and care for the older kids. What an example she has been to me of giving of yourself in the service of others! Not only has she given of herself in service to her children, but she has served 3 LDS missions later in her life with my dad and has given service to the people of Jordan (in the Middle East), Baltimore, MD and New Zealand. What a great mom, what a great example!!
– Nancy , Lancaster, CA
Sharlene – You are up to the challenge
Mom, you raised 5 children on your own. You have seen one of your children go through a divorce, which you hoped would never happen to your children. You have a grandchild who has disabilities because of his early birth. You have seen your own mother go through serious health issues and been through the death of your own father. Through it all you have shown us strength, testimony, and a desire to thank God for family and the Atonement. You truly are up to the challenge!
– Scott , Clinton, UT
Jean – Some Thoughts
My mother was once a radio singing star during the big band era. Here voice went out over KSL during the Depression days. As a little girl of ten, she brought comfort to millions across the West. Those times ended When the band she sang for, decided to "make it big" in California. My Grandmother refused to let her go. So I honor my Grandmother too, for the decision that shaped my mother's life, and indirectly mine.
– Steven , Des Moines Washingon
Dorothy – My Mother and I
My Mother and I
We walked the same path my Mother and I.
The destination clearly marked and boundaries set for safe passage.
It started out with her carrying me,
then my staying in her shadowed footsteps
and soon adventure within the sound of her voice and sharp eye.
I admired the world she created – ordered, precise, planned and executed.
While she arranged her garden by stacking the rocks,tending the plants and aligning the trees,I chased the butterfly, marveled that a flower grew from beneath a rock and longed to climb the one tree in the field.
We would stop for moments her and I and
Listen to the music on the wind,
Comment on the colors of the sunset.
She would hide at the sound of thunder and lighting. I would stand in awe and wonder.
And so it seemed we walked the same path but viewed the world differently.
She on her side, me on mine and the middle grew wide.
Years passed, her steps slowed and when her independence tired she let me take her arm.
Life changed and her order and plan slipped out of her control.
Her body tired and reluctantly she let go.
We walked the same path my Mother and I.
The destination clearly marked and boundaries set for safe passage.
She looked left, I looked right,
But the end was always in sight.
I miss you Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.
Susan
– susan , Salt Lake City, Utah
Tiffany Marie – A most Treasured Daughter & Mother
My grandchildren have got the most spiritual, loving, supportive Mother. She sets the best example possible, studying the scriptures, dressing appropriately, daily prayer, and showing love towards there father whom she loves very much. She shows them kindness, love and respect. She never raises her voice to them, if they arn't behaving right, they know what the time out chair is. As a Family they study the scriptures, have daily prayer, and yes they even have chores to do, which they don't think is fair. Where she finds the time to do all that she does is beyond me. I just wanted her to know that her Mother has a very high regard of repect for her, and all that she does and all that she aspires to do. I know that everyone that comes into contact with her, will feel of her spirit and know of her love for the Savior and her family.
– Pamela, St George, Utah
Faye – Dynamite does come in small packages
My Mom has more energy in her 79th year than I do in my 50's! She is an amazing woman and has accomplished so much in her lifetime. She has served three missions for the church and is so dedicated to serving the members of her ward and neighborhood.
I remember when I was a little girl my Mom would wash clothes with a wringer washer and hang them out to dry. In the winter she would bring the frozen clothes in the house and stand them up to thaw.
She has always been a hard worker and gives 100% to everything she does.
She has raised her children to be good parents and grandparents and has been a good example to all of us.
I always appreciate the support she has given to my siblings and myself and all of our children, she comes to all of the events that the children are involved in and that takes a lot of time and energy.
She is a petite woman and truly the epitomy of dynamite in small packages. She is an amazing woman! I love you, Mom.
– Gina, Sandy, Utah
Judy – To my wonderful Mom
I am blessed to have a mom like you. I take comfort in knowing that you will always be there for me in times of need and support. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for allowing me to be your daughter. Have a great day!
Love always
Jorja
– jorja, San Fransisco
Rae – "Temples on Tuesday"
I have the best mother-n-law in the world. We used to go to the temples on most Tuesdays till I moved away to Oregon. Our times in the temple were very special to me and when I've felt the closest to her. Happy Mother's Day! I Love you.
– Linda , Pendleton, Oregon
Brenda – Pioneer Posterity
Did you know when you started that the road would lead here
To a place with so many you love and hold dear?
Did you know when you gazed across the altar at her
How many were watching, their future now secure?
Did you see when you looked in the mirrors that day,
All our young faces, so hopeful and gay?
And myriads of grandchildren watching your moves
Knowing with you we could grow and be loved.
Did you dream of our spouses you didn't yet know
And how they would thank you for helping us grow?
So when we reached the crossroads and had to decide
We'd strive for eternity with you as our guides.
– Charity Betts, Colorado Springs, CO
Connie – Some Woman
I love my mom. She is so strong and kind and giving. She is not very rich, yet for six months, she helped "mother" and provide for my son when we had a family crisis and I couldn't be there for him. She always gives to people that have less than her - - money, food, shelter . . . The list goes on and on. She is loved by everyone that meets her. And I appreciate her value to this world and to my family. Thanks, Mom.
– Hayley, NSL
Helen Beth – My Mom, A Woman of Great Character
Helen Beth, my mom, was born on a farm in Richfield Idaho eighty years ago during the Great Depression. Beth was not a member of the church. Her mother died when Beth was thirteen years old leaving her with a family consisting of two older brothers, twenty, & eighteen years her senior, and of course, her father. This is a school photo of my mother of about that age as a student in the Kuna, ID school system. She dropped out of high school after her sophomore year. At the age of seventeen she married my father, recently honoroably discharged from active duty in the Navy after WWII. Due to the death of her own mother so early in her life Beth learned the art of cooking through frequent phone calls to her sister-in-law, Margaret, who gave her directions over the phone. None of Beth’s four daughters can come close to replicating her country gravy, potato salad, or homemade rolls & biscuits.
Beth was very reserved & unconvinced of the talents others saw in her. In fact Beth’s biggest fear seemed to be that someone would look at or notice her. Besides being a great cook Beth was a voracious reader & passed on this love of reading to all six of her children. Beth was a morning person & upon finding her teenage daughter stumbling up the stairs from her basement bedroom on a Saturday at 9:00am exclaimed, “ You’ve slept through the best part of the day!!” As you might imagine Beth was routinely thirty minutes early for appointments. I, as well as my siblings, have been known to apologize for being early to work, etc by explaining that we can’t help it; it’s genetic. Mom liked to teach with clichés. Some of her favorites were “If it’s not worth doing right; it’s not worth doing at all.” She taught the importance of our choices in friends by telling us, “If you sleep with the dogs you get up with fleas.” And, “you’re no better than the company you keep.” Beth taught us the proper use of time by preaching, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today” And “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” because after all “Practice makes perfect.” But my personal favorite was her response when someone would ask, “What’s that smell?” Mom would invariably answer, “A skunk smells his-own-self first.” That one has been handed down to the third generation. A lone B among As on a report card was duly noted with encouragement to do better next time. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
Mom taught us that if we could conceive it, we could achieve it. Mom had a wild & crazy sense of humor & frequently laughed until tears streamed down her face. Of all of Mom’s talents that is the one she passed to me. Beth loved music & there was always a radio playing music on the kitchen counter. Mom taught & firmly believed that there was nobody worse than a liar, unless it was a thief, though she abhorred laziness as well. Beth liked to go for long walks in the rain, garden, mow the lawn, & somehow seemed to have way more energy than the rest of us. Mom was often impatient & sometimes downright grouchy-- She loved the smell of potato cellars & to play board games. Beth was also a germaphobe. When one member of the family caught a cold or the flu, that’s where it ended. Mom was very sentimental & taught us that family is important. Mom taught us WE were important by ALWAYS being there when we got home from school. & Though some mothers might weary of hearing, “Mom, Mom, Mom” repeated all day by six children, Beth promptly responded when we asked, “Mom?” Even now with both of our parents gone my siblings & I try to gather in one of our homes monthly for what we call an orphan dinner. Beth believed in being honest even at the sacrifice of tactfulness. Some might say THAT is the talent I inherited along with the impatience & grouchiness, of course. And Mom really loved my husband, Dale! Mom taught us to love to work almost as much as we love to eat. This will be the 18th Mother’s Day without her as she died of inherited heart disease in 1991 & I miss her. Every person I meet in this life is compared to this remarkable woman & most don’t measure up well.
– Linda , Nampa, Idaho
Linda – A Christlike Example
My mom was a convert to the church. She got married to Dad whose was a member all of his life. Since then she has strived to live the gospel to the fullest. She is a very spiritual woman who helped to raise us four kids in the church. Mom and I have always been very close. Her Christ-like attributes are what makes her so special. She has always been someone to think of others before herself even if it meant giving up something she needed. She has spent countless nights on her knees praying for others needs. It is by her example that I try to lead in my life. She has been there for me whenever I have needed her. Even if she didn't know the answers she was still there to listen and to lean on. Everything I am today I owe to her.
I love my Mom so very much and I am thankful she is who she is.
– Stephanie, Tacoma, WA
Mom – Mother’s Day and The Refiner’s Fire
Mother’s Day and The Refiner’s Fire
Mother’s Day is often a very painful day for many of us who feel we should have or could have done a better job of mothering. Going to church and hearing all the super-mom stories is often difficult on that day.
I have come to understand that motherhood is the ultimate “Refiners Fire.” Hell is not really where the fire will be ultimately, but in heaven: Isaiah 33:14, Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? The answer: v. 15: He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly...
Malachi 3:2-3 said it best:
But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap; And he shall sit as a refiner of silver: and he shall purify the sons (and daughters) of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
There is a story about a woman watching a silversmith refining silver in very intense heat. She asked him: “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” His answer: “Oh, that’s easy—when I see my image in it.”
Alma 5:14 Have ye received His image in your countenances?”
Carlfred Broderick, a renowned family therapist, told the following in his book My Parents Married on a Dare. (Deseret Book) He was the Stake President and had just attended a program on Temple marriage put on by the Young Women. When it was over he was asked if there was anything he would like to add. He said:
“Yes, there is,” and I don’t think the woman has ever forgiven me. What I said was this, “Girls, this has been a beautiful program. I commend the gospel with all of its auxiliaries and the temple to you, but I do not want you to believe for one minute that if you keep all the commandments and live as close to the Lord as you can and do everything right and fight off the entire priests quorum one by one and wait chastely for your missionary to return and pay your tithing and attend your meetings, accept calls from the bishop, and have a temple marriage, I do not want you to believe that bad things will not happen to you. And when that happens, I do not want you to say that God was not true. Or, to say, ‘They promised me in Primary, they promised me when I was a Mia Maid, they promised me from the pulpit that if I were very, very good, I would be blessed. But the boy I want doesn’t know I exist, or the missionary I’ve waited for and kept chaste so we both could go to the temple turned out to be a flake,’ or far worse things than any of the above. Sad things—children who are sick or developmentally handicapped, husbands who are not faithful, illnesses that can cripple, or violence, betrayals, hurts, deaths, losses—when those things happen, do not say God is not keeping His promises to me. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is resource in event of pain, and when that pain comes (and it will come because we came here on earth to have pain among other things), when it comes, rejoice that you have resource to deal with your pain.”
“Now, I do not want to suggest for a moment, nor do I believe, that God visits us with all that pain. I think that may occur in individual cases, but I think we fought a war in heaven for the privilege of coming to a place that was unjust. That was the idea of coming to earth—that it was unjust, that there would be sorrow. As Eve so eloquently said, it is better that we should suffer….I am persuaded that she had rare insight, more than her husband, into the necessity of pain, although none of us welcome it. “ (p. 122-123)
My own mother made some bad choices in her younger days that put her in a very painful refiner’s fire. Some fires do come from our choices; some come as part of life in a fallen world, but we can be refined by both. When I was about 11 years old I saw my mother prayerfully quit smoking so she could go back to church. At this time she was married to an abusive alcoholic. I saw her develop many amazing humble qualities as she attempted to create a home for her children in a very chaotic atmosphere, with the help of the Lord. I saw the Gospel begin to purify her in the fire of her adversity. I wanted to be a part of this gospel that brought some hope and peace to our home life. Her fire was my salvation. She had to go into hiding, in fear for her life, when she finally left my dad after the children were gone. When she was 64 years old she died of a brain tumor that had caused her to suffer incredible pain for several years. This refined her even more. Carlfred Brodrerick told about the lingering suffering of his dad when he was dying. It made me think of my mother. He said:
“…I know he was refined by his pain, by his adversity. He needed to go through that suffering. He could have been embittered; he could have been destroyed. His faith could have soured and left him, but he chose to learn from his pain. I do not want you to think that is was the pain that was good. It was the man that was good and that made the pain work for him, as indeed our Savior did.” (Ibid. P. 138)
This was true of my mother. She was good and the pain worked for her, and her mistakes worked for her as the refining process brought Christ’s image to her countenance as it will to all mothers as we go forward in faith even when we didn’t do everything perfect. “Though he were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8) Motherhood is about learning from the things which we suffer. Christ is our example.
– Charmaine, Fruit Heights, Utah
Lucille
My mother was married at 26 years old and her and dad raised eight children. She joined the church trying to prove to my father it was wrong. She proved to herself it was right. She helped dad raise those eight children in the gospel. She did without so much for us. She would go to town and buy herself something and decide we needed something worse. She would return it and get us something. She could take nothing and make something. She kept a clean home and was a wonderful cook. We had three good meals a day. She worked beside my dad on the farm and came home and did her work. She died a few years ago and I have missed calling her for advice. She was a great example to her eight children. We were blessed to have such a good mom.
– Betty, Pink Hill, NC
Ella Mae – The little lemon that nearly got squeezed by a cougar
When my Mom was a little girl, she got up in the middle of the night to put her cat outside. The moon was full and beautiful, and as she stood gazing up at it, she heard a voice that said to her;"Go back inside quickly and bolt the door." She looked in the distance and saw something coming toward her, fast. She rushed inside, slamming the door shut...yelling for her Dad. Her Dad sat up in bed just in time to see a cougar run past his window. The next morning they discovered that the cougar had killed one of their sheep, ate most of it,killed another one and with it in his mouth, jumped over the fence and drug it up into the rocks above their farm. I'm so thankful that Mom was warned and obeyed that voice. I wouldn't have wanted any other mother.
She was a beautiful woman, full of laughter, grace and poise. She knew how to talk to people, always making them feel good about themselves.
She was the best cook ever, she could cook anything Martha Stewart could, before Martha Stewart even knew how! She taught me to love cooking, she said that I had "the soul of a cook". At age 12, I was baking 8 loaves of bread a week, cookies, meals, and loving every bit of it. To this day, I love to cook.
She was a strong woman, with a strong testimony. At the same time, she was a "bunch of fun!" Once she went "dragging main" with us, embarrasing us,thrilling us,
laughing with us all the way.
She was the family researcher all her life..uniting all of us here, and on the other side of the veil as well.
She worked very hard as a farmers wife, his sweetheart at all times, raising their 7 children with strong values. Blessing us with all her great qualities, making us miss here terribly now that she's gone.I thank God that she was and is, my Mother.
– Julie , Bicknell, Utah
Catherine (Cassie) – My Harley Davidson Mom
When I think of my Mom, I think of:
Laughter, Hugs, tears, smiles, incougement, listing, her testimony. I miss her so much. When she started to lose her memory, I watch the light go from her eyes. But I do know when she crossed to the other side, my father meet her and took her into his arms and kissed her and them dance with her. It has been 26yrs. I do miss them both, But I do know I will meet them soon
– Mary , El Paso TX
Shimaa' Mom
To a mother so very dear to not only me but to a small Navajo community. Shimaa means mom in Navajo, shimaa has passed on to the spirit world left us in 1997. I have missed her so much but her memory is deep within my soul.
She taught me by her great example of selflessness, compassion, endless love and great charity. Shimaa gained a great testimony of the gospel by the spirit, she did not know how to read she once told me of how the spirit taught her of the gospel and how touched she was by the sweet whispers of the Spirit.
I love my Shimaa and truly miss her.
– Betty , Orange Park, Florida
Kay – Friend to Everyone
When I think of my Mom I think of all of the time that she put into raising us kids. All the times she gathered us in family prayer or scripture study, all the times she helped us with our homework and helping us solve all of our "problems", that seemed major at the time. More than any of those, I will always remember and try to emulate the example she gave me on how to be a friend to everyone. Most of the people in the neighborhood, ward and her family consider her a close friend. She is always willing to help sew this or play the piano at this and everyone is always grateful for her. I am especially grateful to have had the opportunity to be close to her for all these years, and I just hope that a little part of it rubs off.
– Sam, Salt Lake City, UT
Faye – They threw away the mold after her
My mother is 79 and still going strong. She never quits moving, never quits serving and visiting the lonely; and never ever quits working.
My Mom went through some serious trials and tribulations growing up and through her life. She converted to the Church and through activity in the Church found her very best self.
She raised 4 children by herself and provided for their needs emotionally and financially.
She once taught herself to type over the weekend so she could accept a secretarial job on Monday that she had been hired for. She worked there for 10 years and was the best secretary they ever had.
She is retired now and has served three missions in the Church historical department.
Her four children all married in the temple and her posterity has served twelve missions with several still to go.
Her commitment to the gospel is legendary among those who know her well.
They threw away the mold after they made my mother. No one who has ever met her can forget her.
Keep cranking Mom.
– Bob, North Salt Lake
Charlene – Endure to the End means to go all the way
My mom had a hard childhood, her mother died when she was young, her father remarried the step-mother from Cinderella and she was eventually shipped off to live with her Aunt and Uncle to finish school. Overweight most of her adult life, she smoked until the day she converted and then quit cold turkey, she had 4 children with at least one miscarriage. Our family was on the poor side, sometimes not having enough money for many of the things we needed, but our mother never showed her worry or heavy heart. My parents were divorced when I was in my late teens, my mother continued her college education that she started very late in life, finally achieving her degree, and was able to begin teaching drama to high school students. Then, after about a year, her kidneys failed. She had many problems with kidney stones over her life and now her kidneys stopped working, she was also diabetic and had other health problems. She held on for 7 more years on dialysis, and unfortunately passed due to complications from her kidney transplant surgery. The whole time, my mother lived the gospel, not perfect but striving for it. She always had a smile for anyone that came along, she took any calling offered and put her entire soul into it, and she never passed up an opportunity to see, and give love to, my children. She endured many trials in her life, and any time something gets me down in my life I think about her and realize that I too can endure anything...I love you mom!
– James, Claremont, NC
Sabrina – colors of the rainbow
Mom, I love you so much! All moms are like blue or purple and even orange! But you are red the #1 mom on the rainbow! I hope you have a great day. Love you forever, Makaela.
– Makaela
Colleen – Like the Sun
My mother is steady like the sun. She is dependable; always there for me. When the clouds are in the way and you cannot see the sun, you still know it's there. When we cannot see each other, I still know she is there for our family. I want her to know that the same will be true when the time comes that she needs me. I will be there for her. I am so thankful that she is my Mom. I love you Mom!
– Sabrina, Mapleton
Margaret or Mom – WoW
Wow Mom. The lady who never understood,never could see where I came from. What a Lady. She was Bipolar and still she loved as best she could. She had a hard life, made some bad decisions but she loved when she could and said she was sorry after she couldn't. I learned so much from her did not even know it until she was gone way to early. I look in the mirror every morning and see my Mom. I now know that the loss of two of her children before age two made her love the other two even more. She lost her third six month after her sudden death. But I know she really just has them all together now and she can show her love as she wanted to when she was here on earth. I miss my Mom so much ,but she left me strong and knowing how much she really loved me. In every trial I have faced I remember her advice and example. My children know her almost as well as I did,because she left pictures and letters that she could not share when alive. She is watching over us with love.
– Angel , Abilene Texas USA Earth
Olive – I wouldn't be here without you!
Thank heavens for Mothers! (Fathers, too!) As I look at my own wife, Suzanne, I watch her carefully and think back and realize what My Mother did to get me here! First of all, she kept herself clean from the world and Married my Father in an LDS Temple so we could be an Eternal Family. My two older brothers were born deaf and she was told by her doctor to NOT have any more children! That's where I came in! Yes, I was #3 of 9 children! My mother risked her life to have me, and with my Father faithfully by her side, raised me to become a happily married man with a wife of my own who gave me 8 Sons who now call her Mother! Mother, you are in Heaven, but you are always on my mind and in my heart! Thank you for my creation and in bringing me here according to God's Plan of Life! I love you Mother, Alan
– Alan , Orem, Utah
Edipah – Surprised Teacher
Going through nursing school was hectic Anatomy and Physiology was time consuming. In our culture, we use mutton/lamb and my mom could butcher a sheep without difficulty. I started to explain and name parts of the sheep but I was surprised that she knew every organ, muscle, veins, etc. She could name them and knew what it did. She did not speak English and I am positive that if she had formal schooling, she would have made an excellent doctor. She was the best teacher I've ever had, not only for school but in life. I miss her, we were becoming good friends.
– Yahabah, Albuquerque, NM
To all mothers in the world – What is Mother
Mommy, Mummy ,Mom , Maman, Madre, Mama These are few names which our mothers are called. Caring without end, sharing with every child. One she cares for with deep devotion. Tenderly, affectionately she shares herself to each member of her family. Protects her loved ones with a deep abiding love. Priceless is she in the sight of God. Eternal partner is she with him for time and all eternity.
– Eliane (that is the right spelling), Mesa, Arizona
Pin – to the mother of my children
How can I ever express my gratitude for all you have done for my four children. All of the sacrifice and pain and you never waiverd in your devotion! In this day of a disposable everything you taught my children the two most important things in life; 1. To love unconditionally and 2. To never quit. Thanks my eternal sweetheart and I hope in some way this will make your day a little better. Love ya B
– Bryan , Ogden
Momma – My youngest daughter sentiments to me.
"My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune"--Graycie
– Carolyn , Vernal in Utah
Barbara – I'm not sleeping I'm just resting my eyes
Christmas of 2002 gifted my family love and memories. It was all due to my mom's tireless efforts, although that Christmas was more physically demanding for her because her weekly chemotherapy treatments had left her body weak and frail. Christmas eve night after a wonderful filling dinner and while visitng as a family mom lay on her couch with her eyes closed. We respectfully chuckled as we knew she must have been so physically drained. We commented on how she had fallen asleep, amidst the noise. Without opening her eyes, she simply said, "I'm not sleeping I am just resting my eyes!" Although she was not physically visiting with us, she was still aware of us, and knew what was being said. Nine and a half months later she passed through the veil to the other side, receiving the rest her body needed. At her viewing my brothers commented on how she looked so peaceful, as if she were sleeping. Someone in our family simply said, "She's not sleeping, she's just resting her eyes!" The truth of that statement comforts us, as we miss her physically but we know she IS just resting her mortal eyes!
– Lisa, Orem UT
Mamá – Feliz Día
Que tengas un feliz día mamá. Gracias por todo, aunque esté lejos por acá igual un gran abrazo. Te quero mucho.
– Yamil, Santiago, Chile
Marie – without guile
Mom left this earthly existence 6 LONG weeks ago. Although she was not a very big woman, she has left a vast void in our lives. We were so lucky that she was our mother and grandmother. Mom was the exemplar that we should all live by. She never said a bad word about anyone. Her actions were always quiet and she allowed those around her to take the glory. She was an example of true humility and unconditional love. Mom did not tell us how to live, instead she showed us! Being around her couldn't help but make you a better person. Our home was always welcomed to friends and family. Even though we did not have a lot of material things growing up, she made the most of everything - whether it was redesigning hand-me-down clothes that others would envy or canning everything grown in our oversized garden. We were truly the richest and most blessed of all. Mom, this Mother's Day is going to hard because we will not see you. However, we know that your spirit will be near us. Thanks for making this mortal experience WONDERFUL!
– Barbara, Layton, UT
Merrijane, Amy and Alisa – Precious Daughters of God
My tribute is to three of the most fabulous mothers I know, my three daughters. They are truly daughters of God who follow His teachings closely in the raising of their children. They are serious about their responsibilities as Mothers. They sing to their children, read to them and teach them daily gospel lessons. They have patience and love and display the Light of Christ in their daily interactions with their Children.
– Anne , Woods Cross, Utah
Barbara
I just wanted to let you know that you are an inspiration to me and even though I don't say it enough, I am glad you are my sister, and I love you. You are a fabulous wife, mom, and grandma, even though you don't get the recognition you deserve. Without you in our family, we would be very lonely. Happy Mother's Day.
– Vickie
Doris
I just wanted to say "I love you, mom." Even though you have left this Earth seven years ago, you are still very close in my heart. I miss talking to you on the phone, and asking for advice, and sending you funny cards (and getting some funny cards from you). You are truly a hero and inspiration to me in the times that you struggled with your illness, and tried to be so independent. Thanks for bein my mom.
– Vickie , Provo, UT
Jennifer – Go for your dreams
Jennifer, you recognized your dream of a forever family and the values you hold so dear even when your prince charming decided he did not desire the same. You have shown your children the better way like your mother did for you. Because you have shown them the better way and fought for you values and dream makes you one of the best mothers around. Love you
– Scott, Clinton, UT
One of Many Mothers
When we think of the word mother we think of the women that gave birth to us,the one who brought us into this world,the women that everyone else calls mother, the women who gave us life.On many occasions we enter this world with this mother and without choice or any say are left to live our life's without her because of different circumstances or choices made.These are the trials in our life's that we learn and grow from.We fill this emptiness with the loving and caring of other mothers around us willing to take us under their wing as though their own.This could be friends mothers, teachers,Young Women teachers,a caring neighbor who is a mother,a sister etc..We can learn and grow from these experiences and truly be better mothers because of them.On this mothers day may we honor those mothers who filled the empty spot in our life's and were mothers to us by choice not by chance.May we celebrate not the emptiness of not having a mother but the fullness of all the many mothers we were blessed with through our life's.May we remember those mothers in our life's who showed us what a loving mother would feel like and gave us the example to be a mother our self's of true unconditional love.May mothers day be a happy celebration for all us women as we remember the loving care of "ONE OF THE MANY MOTHERS" that were part of our life's.He never said life would be easy, he only said it would be worth it.
Mom – Truth be told
Mom = awesome.
– Samuel, Florida
Faye – A Disciple of Christ
Mom is a Disciple of Christ. As it says in Alma 37:36 "Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever."
That is my mom. She has always been the greatest example of faith and Christ like behavior that I have known. Her life has not been easy. She is 79 and entered this earthly existence October 1929 at the beginning of the Great Depression and has been through much physical pain and personal heartache in her life. All of which she has met with faith in the Lord and a cheerful countenance.
She has served the Lord faithfully since she embraced the gospel of Christ. She magnifies whatever calling she is asked to do whether it be fulfilling the many Church missions at the Church Historical Department, her visiting teaching, teaching gospel doctrine. Going beyond that she serves those around her with countless visits to the sick, notes of encouragement and supporting her four children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in word and deed.
Mom, you are the greatest example to me of a truly Christlike life. Thank you for leading the way for our family in all things good.
– Colleen, Saratoga Springs, UT
Faye – Thanks for the memories
Mom,
It's hard to put into a few words how much you mean to me. You've been the best example of what a woman of God is suppose to be. You've served and loved constantly despite living with constant pain and without complaint. Whenever I start to get lazy or think "I can't do that" I see you going about doing daily service to others and to the Lord. I learned to love RS because you do, I've learned to love the temple and family history becaues you do. Thanks for being one of God's choicests daughters and my mom.
– Sheila, SLC, UT
Laura – A Familiar Voice
On Wednesday, March 23rd, while working in my home office, answering my daughter Trina’s email, I heard a familiar voice. I had sent a story to Trina called “Mom the Counselor” on Tuesday. While responding, I heard a voice that said: “Tom”. This was a familiar voice that I knew well. It seemed to be coming from down the hall, in the living room.
Immediately I answered “Yes” and stood up. Looking to my left out the window I saw my wife, Kathy, who had just pulled up after driving her school bus. Kathy was standing a few feet from her bus. I wondered how I could hear her voice as close as the living room when she was standing in the front yard.
Then I started to think who else could be calling to me, a voice that I knew well. Immediately I felt it was Mom’s voice. How could this be, she passed away thirty five years ago. Kathy then walked through the doorway, in the front room, and said: “Hi”, I knew then that it wasn’t her voice that I had heard.
Later in the evening, while we were laying bed I just had to ask, if she had called to me while she was standing by her school bus. She said that she didn’t. I knew that it had been my mother’s voice I heard. The reason was left for me to discover.
On Thursday, March 24th, sitting and doing work at my computer, something prompted me to go and open the temple work briefcase that Dad left me. As I opened the briefcase a warm feeling came over me. I reached in and pulled out a blue floppy disc from the back pocket. At first, I could only read the words: “Tom Baker Family Backup” in the enclosed case. Next I went to the front compartment and pulled out great great Grandma’s family information. I also found in the same, pocket a green floppy disc case with a disc that said: “Tom Baker Family Backup”.
So, immediately I looked again at the blue case. The words on the disc “Family Backup” had a line drawn through it. The words below read “Temple Ready”. I forgot that when I went to the Family Research Library, I didn’t have an extra disc when I was doing the work. I decided to erase one, and use it for the temple ready work.. Kathy and I had talked earlier in the week, she had mentioned that we needed to go to the temple on Friday. I knew that I had some work to turn in and complete, but never had a clue how really important it was.
On Friday, March 25th, Kathy and I took the disc and went to the temple. We had decided to do whatever work that we needed to complete. I handed the disc to the sister at the family names desk. When she printed the information, only one name appeared. Sarah Taylor my great great grandmother needed to be sealed to her parents. This was not the Des Moines Ward’s sealing night at the temple. We decided to get dressed and go up to the sealing rooms. The Woodinville 3rd Ward was in need a third sealing couple, they had four couples scheduled and only two had arrived. Kathy handed the ordinance form to the temple sealer. He put it on top of the female names to be sealed to their parents.
After the sealer, sealed two couples for time and all eternity, he asked Kathy to kneel at the alter, as a proxy, for great great grandma. As he gave the sealing prayer tears filled my eyes, remembering her picture on the living room wall.
This room was, also the same location where I heard Mom call out my name earlier on Wednesday. I knew then how important it was that Sarah Taylor be sealed to her parents. The sealing powers of the temple are real, that evening my great great grandmother was sealed to them, for time and all eternity.
– Tom , Federal Way, Washington
Kay'e' – What really makes a MOM?
I came into this world with a purpose I'm sure. Among the paths I've been down, I can be just as sure there were a few I shouldn't have been. Now that I have the gift of motherhood I understand that although she didn't raise me, I know that for the few years she did have me she loved me. She taught me what it felt like to be hugged, kissed, and belong. Life seperated us when I was barely 4; but she remained in my heart always, she was my mother. I found her again in life and although we don't always see much of each other the love is there. I learned the most precious thing I ever could have from a woman who thought for so many years that she wasn't good enough to teach me anything. Now as I raise my 7 children and LOVE them and hug them, and assure them through lifes lessons that a mothers love is always strong, always committed, always there, I recall that even for the brief time I had mine that's what I learned to pass on to the next. I LOVE YOU MOM...even when I don't say it every day, week, or even month. It's in my heart forever, with you.
– Susan , Olyphant, PA
Aunt Mary – Oh....to be a woman like her...
My Aunt Mary was sunshine personified, more a mother to me than my biological one. Always interested in your life, always your most ardent cheerleader, a fiercely loyal, devoted fan of her family and friends, she made you believe you were the most wonderful creation God had ever made. She dismissed your concerns over your own limitations and believed you could always move your mountains. I pray that I can be an aunt like her, a mother like her, a woman as loving, and as loved, as her. She has taken her sunshine back to heaven now, and we all miss her terribly. She is irreplaceable.
– Kathy , South Jordan, Utah
bep – never to say "NO"
Hi
My mom is the best mom in the world. If any one of her 4 children need something sh eis right there to help us out. Not only is she the best mom, she is still working as a CNA 2 days a week at a nursing home in Bountiful. Maybe that is not strange to you, but she is 78 years young herself. She is almost older then the people she helps there.She is always busy knitting, and planning dinner parties for her family.
– rita , Kaysville, Utah
Connie – The best mom in the world
I love my Mom she is the best Mom in the world we have had so much fun together.and she is my number one fan and she has been my support. Happy Mother's Day mom I Love you
– Elizabeth , Laguna Niguel, Ca
Alois – One of a kind!
My dear mother, Alois was the kindest,thoughtful and most considerate woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. What I would have given to have more time with her, had I known that she would leave this world so quickly and so young. I have struggled everyday to find my way and have not discovered anything or anyone that gives me as much contentment as the relationship I shared with my mother, Alois. For those of you that still have your moms out there...no matter the circumstances...reach out to her more, talk to her more,care for her and show her small gestures of love and kindness...more. When you loose her...you will never be the same. I look forward to the day that we will meet again. Blessings~
– Patti, Southeast
Dorothy – A Mother Who was always there
My mother came running whenever I needed her! She was a stay at home mom all my life and when I got married and started having children she was always available to come and help me. With my first child we had only a 1 bedroom place and she rented a roll away bed and slept in the living room and kept the baby with her. Whenever Kimberly would cry, she would bring her to me to nurse and then come and get her for burping and cuddling until she fell asleep again. She did that for several nights. At the time Kimberly was 6 weeks old I had a ruptured appendix and was in the hospital for 10 days, but there was my mom up to Utah from California in record time to take care of my 6 week old infant. Even after being released, I couldn't lift my baby for several weeks, so my sweet mother gave up her time to be at home with my dad & sister, to help me around my home while my husband worked. As each child came into our family, she was always there to help out and cook dinners and care for the older kids. What an example she has been to me of giving of yourself in the service of others! Not only has she given of herself in service to her children, but she has served 3 LDS missions later in her life with my dad and has given service to the people of Jordan (in the Middle East), Baltimore, MD and New Zealand. What a great mom, what a great example!!
– Nancy , Lancaster, CA
Sharlene – You are up to the challenge
Mom, you raised 5 children on your own. You have seen one of your children go through a divorce, which you hoped would never happen to your children. You have a grandchild who has disabilities because of his early birth. You have seen your own mother go through serious health issues and been through the death of your own father. Through it all you have shown us strength, testimony, and a desire to thank God for family and the Atonement. You truly are up to the challenge!
– Scott , Clinton, UT
Jean – Some Thoughts
My mother was once a radio singing star during the big band era. Here voice went out over KSL during the Depression days. As a little girl of ten, she brought comfort to millions across the West. Those times ended When the band she sang for, decided to "make it big" in California. My Grandmother refused to let her go. So I honor my Grandmother too, for the decision that shaped my mother's life, and indirectly mine.
– Steven , Des Moines Washingon
Dorothy – My Mother and I
My Mother and I
We walked the same path my Mother and I.
The destination clearly marked and boundaries set for safe passage.
It started out with her carrying me,
then my staying in her shadowed footsteps
and soon adventure within the sound of her voice and sharp eye.
I admired the world she created – ordered, precise, planned and executed.
While she arranged her garden by stacking the rocks,tending the plants and aligning the trees,I chased the butterfly, marveled that a flower grew from beneath a rock and longed to climb the one tree in the field.
We would stop for moments her and I and
Listen to the music on the wind,
Comment on the colors of the sunset.
She would hide at the sound of thunder and lighting. I would stand in awe and wonder.
And so it seemed we walked the same path but viewed the world differently.
She on her side, me on mine and the middle grew wide.
Years passed, her steps slowed and when her independence tired she let me take her arm.
Life changed and her order and plan slipped out of her control.
Her body tired and reluctantly she let go.
We walked the same path my Mother and I.
The destination clearly marked and boundaries set for safe passage.
She looked left, I looked right,
But the end was always in sight.
I miss you Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.
Susan
– susan , Salt Lake City, Utah
Tiffany Marie – A most Treasured Daughter & Mother
My grandchildren have got the most spiritual, loving, supportive Mother. She sets the best example possible, studying the scriptures, dressing appropriately, daily prayer, and showing love towards there father whom she loves very much. She shows them kindness, love and respect. She never raises her voice to them, if they arn't behaving right, they know what the time out chair is. As a Family they study the scriptures, have daily prayer, and yes they even have chores to do, which they don't think is fair. Where she finds the time to do all that she does is beyond me. I just wanted her to know that her Mother has a very high regard of repect for her, and all that she does and all that she aspires to do. I know that everyone that comes into contact with her, will feel of her spirit and know of her love for the Savior and her family.
– Pamela, St George, Utah
Faye – Dynamite does come in small packages
My Mom has more energy in her 79th year than I do in my 50's! She is an amazing woman and has accomplished so much in her lifetime. She has served three missions for the church and is so dedicated to serving the members of her ward and neighborhood.
I remember when I was a little girl my Mom would wash clothes with a wringer washer and hang them out to dry. In the winter she would bring the frozen clothes in the house and stand them up to thaw.
She has always been a hard worker and gives 100% to everything she does.
She has raised her children to be good parents and grandparents and has been a good example to all of us.
I always appreciate the support she has given to my siblings and myself and all of our children, she comes to all of the events that the children are involved in and that takes a lot of time and energy.
She is a petite woman and truly the epitomy of dynamite in small packages. She is an amazing woman! I love you, Mom.
– Gina, Sandy, Utah
Judy – To my wonderful Mom
I am blessed to have a mom like you. I take comfort in knowing that you will always be there for me in times of need and support. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for allowing me to be your daughter. Have a great day!
Love always
Jorja
– jorja, San Fransisco
Rae – "Temples on Tuesday"
I have the best mother-n-law in the world. We used to go to the temples on most Tuesdays till I moved away to Oregon. Our times in the temple were very special to me and when I've felt the closest to her. Happy Mother's Day! I Love you.
– Linda , Pendleton, Oregon
Brenda – Pioneer Posterity
Did you know when you started that the road would lead here
To a place with so many you love and hold dear?
Did you know when you gazed across the altar at her
How many were watching, their future now secure?
Did you see when you looked in the mirrors that day,
All our young faces, so hopeful and gay?
And myriads of grandchildren watching your moves
Knowing with you we could grow and be loved.
Did you dream of our spouses you didn't yet know
And how they would thank you for helping us grow?
So when we reached the crossroads and had to decide
We'd strive for eternity with you as our guides.
– Charity Betts, Colorado Springs, CO
Connie – Some Woman
I love my mom. She is so strong and kind and giving. She is not very rich, yet for six months, she helped "mother" and provide for my son when we had a family crisis and I couldn't be there for him. She always gives to people that have less than her - - money, food, shelter . . . The list goes on and on. She is loved by everyone that meets her. And I appreciate her value to this world and to my family. Thanks, Mom.
– Hayley, NSL
Helen Beth – My Mom, A Woman of Great Character
Helen Beth, my mom, was born on a farm in Richfield Idaho eighty years ago during the Great Depression. Beth was not a member of the church. Her mother died when Beth was thirteen years old leaving her with a family consisting of two older brothers, twenty, & eighteen years her senior, and of course, her father. This is a school photo of my mother of about that age as a student in the Kuna, ID school system. She dropped out of high school after her sophomore year. At the age of seventeen she married my father, recently honoroably discharged from active duty in the Navy after WWII. Due to the death of her own mother so early in her life Beth learned the art of cooking through frequent phone calls to her sister-in-law, Margaret, who gave her directions over the phone. None of Beth’s four daughters can come close to replicating her country gravy, potato salad, or homemade rolls & biscuits.
Beth was very reserved & unconvinced of the talents others saw in her. In fact Beth’s biggest fear seemed to be that someone would look at or notice her. Besides being a great cook Beth was a voracious reader & passed on this love of reading to all six of her children. Beth was a morning person & upon finding her teenage daughter stumbling up the stairs from her basement bedroom on a Saturday at 9:00am exclaimed, “ You’ve slept through the best part of the day!!” As you might imagine Beth was routinely thirty minutes early for appointments. I, as well as my siblings, have been known to apologize for being early to work, etc by explaining that we can’t help it; it’s genetic. Mom liked to teach with clichés. Some of her favorites were “If it’s not worth doing right; it’s not worth doing at all.” She taught the importance of our choices in friends by telling us, “If you sleep with the dogs you get up with fleas.” And, “you’re no better than the company you keep.” Beth taught us the proper use of time by preaching, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today” And “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” because after all “Practice makes perfect.” But my personal favorite was her response when someone would ask, “What’s that smell?” Mom would invariably answer, “A skunk smells his-own-self first.” That one has been handed down to the third generation. A lone B among As on a report card was duly noted with encouragement to do better next time. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
Mom taught us that if we could conceive it, we could achieve it. Mom had a wild & crazy sense of humor & frequently laughed until tears streamed down her face. Of all of Mom’s talents that is the one she passed to me. Beth loved music & there was always a radio playing music on the kitchen counter. Mom taught & firmly believed that there was nobody worse than a liar, unless it was a thief, though she abhorred laziness as well. Beth liked to go for long walks in the rain, garden, mow the lawn, & somehow seemed to have way more energy than the rest of us. Mom was often impatient & sometimes downright grouchy-- She loved the smell of potato cellars & to play board games. Beth was also a germaphobe. When one member of the family caught a cold or the flu, that’s where it ended. Mom was very sentimental & taught us that family is important. Mom taught us WE were important by ALWAYS being there when we got home from school. & Though some mothers might weary of hearing, “Mom, Mom, Mom” repeated all day by six children, Beth promptly responded when we asked, “Mom?” Even now with both of our parents gone my siblings & I try to gather in one of our homes monthly for what we call an orphan dinner. Beth believed in being honest even at the sacrifice of tactfulness. Some might say THAT is the talent I inherited along with the impatience & grouchiness, of course. And Mom really loved my husband, Dale! Mom taught us to love to work almost as much as we love to eat. This will be the 18th Mother’s Day without her as she died of inherited heart disease in 1991 & I miss her. Every person I meet in this life is compared to this remarkable woman & most don’t measure up well.
– Linda , Nampa, Idaho
Linda – A Christlike Example
My mom was a convert to the church. She got married to Dad whose was a member all of his life. Since then she has strived to live the gospel to the fullest. She is a very spiritual woman who helped to raise us four kids in the church. Mom and I have always been very close. Her Christ-like attributes are what makes her so special. She has always been someone to think of others before herself even if it meant giving up something she needed. She has spent countless nights on her knees praying for others needs. It is by her example that I try to lead in my life. She has been there for me whenever I have needed her. Even if she didn't know the answers she was still there to listen and to lean on. Everything I am today I owe to her.
I love my Mom so very much and I am thankful she is who she is.
– Stephanie, Tacoma, WA
Mom – Mother’s Day and The Refiner’s Fire
Mother’s Day and The Refiner’s Fire
Mother’s Day is often a very painful day for many of us who feel we should have or could have done a better job of mothering. Going to church and hearing all the super-mom stories is often difficult on that day.
I have come to understand that motherhood is the ultimate “Refiners Fire.” Hell is not really where the fire will be ultimately, but in heaven: Isaiah 33:14, Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? The answer: v. 15: He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly...
Malachi 3:2-3 said it best:
But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap; And he shall sit as a refiner of silver: and he shall purify the sons (and daughters) of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
There is a story about a woman watching a silversmith refining silver in very intense heat. She asked him: “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” His answer: “Oh, that’s easy—when I see my image in it.”
Alma 5:14 Have ye received His image in your countenances?”
Carlfred Broderick, a renowned family therapist, told the following in his book My Parents Married on a Dare. (Deseret Book) He was the Stake President and had just attended a program on Temple marriage put on by the Young Women. When it was over he was asked if there was anything he would like to add. He said:
“Yes, there is,” and I don’t think the woman has ever forgiven me. What I said was this, “Girls, this has been a beautiful program. I commend the gospel with all of its auxiliaries and the temple to you, but I do not want you to believe for one minute that if you keep all the commandments and live as close to the Lord as you can and do everything right and fight off the entire priests quorum one by one and wait chastely for your missionary to return and pay your tithing and attend your meetings, accept calls from the bishop, and have a temple marriage, I do not want you to believe that bad things will not happen to you. And when that happens, I do not want you to say that God was not true. Or, to say, ‘They promised me in Primary, they promised me when I was a Mia Maid, they promised me from the pulpit that if I were very, very good, I would be blessed. But the boy I want doesn’t know I exist, or the missionary I’ve waited for and kept chaste so we both could go to the temple turned out to be a flake,’ or far worse things than any of the above. Sad things—children who are sick or developmentally handicapped, husbands who are not faithful, illnesses that can cripple, or violence, betrayals, hurts, deaths, losses—when those things happen, do not say God is not keeping His promises to me. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is resource in event of pain, and when that pain comes (and it will come because we came here on earth to have pain among other things), when it comes, rejoice that you have resource to deal with your pain.”
“Now, I do not want to suggest for a moment, nor do I believe, that God visits us with all that pain. I think that may occur in individual cases, but I think we fought a war in heaven for the privilege of coming to a place that was unjust. That was the idea of coming to earth—that it was unjust, that there would be sorrow. As Eve so eloquently said, it is better that we should suffer….I am persuaded that she had rare insight, more than her husband, into the necessity of pain, although none of us welcome it. “ (p. 122-123)
My own mother made some bad choices in her younger days that put her in a very painful refiner’s fire. Some fires do come from our choices; some come as part of life in a fallen world, but we can be refined by both. When I was about 11 years old I saw my mother prayerfully quit smoking so she could go back to church. At this time she was married to an abusive alcoholic. I saw her develop many amazing humble qualities as she attempted to create a home for her children in a very chaotic atmosphere, with the help of the Lord. I saw the Gospel begin to purify her in the fire of her adversity. I wanted to be a part of this gospel that brought some hope and peace to our home life. Her fire was my salvation. She had to go into hiding, in fear for her life, when she finally left my dad after the children were gone. When she was 64 years old she died of a brain tumor that had caused her to suffer incredible pain for several years. This refined her even more. Carlfred Brodrerick told about the lingering suffering of his dad when he was dying. It made me think of my mother. He said:
“…I know he was refined by his pain, by his adversity. He needed to go through that suffering. He could have been embittered; he could have been destroyed. His faith could have soured and left him, but he chose to learn from his pain. I do not want you to think that is was the pain that was good. It was the man that was good and that made the pain work for him, as indeed our Savior did.” (Ibid. P. 138)
This was true of my mother. She was good and the pain worked for her, and her mistakes worked for her as the refining process brought Christ’s image to her countenance as it will to all mothers as we go forward in faith even when we didn’t do everything perfect. “Though he were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8) Motherhood is about learning from the things which we suffer. Christ is our example.
– Charmaine, Fruit Heights, Utah
Lucille
My mother was married at 26 years old and her and dad raised eight children. She joined the church trying to prove to my father it was wrong. She proved to herself it was right. She helped dad raise those eight children in the gospel. She did without so much for us. She would go to town and buy herself something and decide we needed something worse. She would return it and get us something. She could take nothing and make something. She kept a clean home and was a wonderful cook. We had three good meals a day. She worked beside my dad on the farm and came home and did her work. She died a few years ago and I have missed calling her for advice. She was a great example to her eight children. We were blessed to have such a good mom.
– Betty, Pink Hill, NC
Ella Mae – The little lemon that nearly got squeezed by a cougar
When my Mom was a little girl, she got up in the middle of the night to put her cat outside. The moon was full and beautiful, and as she stood gazing up at it, she heard a voice that said to her;"Go back inside quickly and bolt the door." She looked in the distance and saw something coming toward her, fast. She rushed inside, slamming the door shut...yelling for her Dad. Her Dad sat up in bed just in time to see a cougar run past his window. The next morning they discovered that the cougar had killed one of their sheep, ate most of it,killed another one and with it in his mouth, jumped over the fence and drug it up into the rocks above their farm. I'm so thankful that Mom was warned and obeyed that voice. I wouldn't have wanted any other mother.
She was a beautiful woman, full of laughter, grace and poise. She knew how to talk to people, always making them feel good about themselves.
She was the best cook ever, she could cook anything Martha Stewart could, before Martha Stewart even knew how! She taught me to love cooking, she said that I had "the soul of a cook". At age 12, I was baking 8 loaves of bread a week, cookies, meals, and loving every bit of it. To this day, I love to cook.
She was a strong woman, with a strong testimony. At the same time, she was a "bunch of fun!" Once she went "dragging main" with us, embarrasing us,thrilling us,
laughing with us all the way.
She was the family researcher all her life..uniting all of us here, and on the other side of the veil as well.
She worked very hard as a farmers wife, his sweetheart at all times, raising their 7 children with strong values. Blessing us with all her great qualities, making us miss here terribly now that she's gone.I thank God that she was and is, my Mother.
– Julie , Bicknell, Utah
Catherine (Cassie) – My Harley Davidson Mom
When I think of my Mom, I think of:
Laughter, Hugs, tears, smiles, incougement, listing, her testimony. I miss her so much. When she started to lose her memory, I watch the light go from her eyes. But I do know when she crossed to the other side, my father meet her and took her into his arms and kissed her and them dance with her. It has been 26yrs. I do miss them both, But I do know I will meet them soon
– Mary , El Paso TX
Shimaa' Mom
To a mother so very dear to not only me but to a small Navajo community. Shimaa means mom in Navajo, shimaa has passed on to the spirit world left us in 1997. I have missed her so much but her memory is deep within my soul.
She taught me by her great example of selflessness, compassion, endless love and great charity. Shimaa gained a great testimony of the gospel by the spirit, she did not know how to read she once told me of how the spirit taught her of the gospel and how touched she was by the sweet whispers of the Spirit.
I love my Shimaa and truly miss her.
– Betty , Orange Park, Florida
Kay – Friend to Everyone
When I think of my Mom I think of all of the time that she put into raising us kids. All the times she gathered us in family prayer or scripture study, all the times she helped us with our homework and helping us solve all of our "problems", that seemed major at the time. More than any of those, I will always remember and try to emulate the example she gave me on how to be a friend to everyone. Most of the people in the neighborhood, ward and her family consider her a close friend. She is always willing to help sew this or play the piano at this and everyone is always grateful for her. I am especially grateful to have had the opportunity to be close to her for all these years, and I just hope that a little part of it rubs off.
– Sam, Salt Lake City, UT
Faye – They threw away the mold after her
My mother is 79 and still going strong. She never quits moving, never quits serving and visiting the lonely; and never ever quits working.
My Mom went through some serious trials and tribulations growing up and through her life. She converted to the Church and through activity in the Church found her very best self.
She raised 4 children by herself and provided for their needs emotionally and financially.
She once taught herself to type over the weekend so she could accept a secretarial job on Monday that she had been hired for. She worked there for 10 years and was the best secretary they ever had.
She is retired now and has served three missions in the Church historical department.
Her four children all married in the temple and her posterity has served twelve missions with several still to go.
Her commitment to the gospel is legendary among those who know her well.
They threw away the mold after they made my mother. No one who has ever met her can forget her.
Keep cranking Mom.
– Bob, North Salt Lake
Charlene – Endure to the End means to go all the way
My mom had a hard childhood, her mother died when she was young, her father remarried the step-mother from Cinderella and she was eventually shipped off to live with her Aunt and Uncle to finish school. Overweight most of her adult life, she smoked until the day she converted and then quit cold turkey, she had 4 children with at least one miscarriage. Our family was on the poor side, sometimes not having enough money for many of the things we needed, but our mother never showed her worry or heavy heart. My parents were divorced when I was in my late teens, my mother continued her college education that she started very late in life, finally achieving her degree, and was able to begin teaching drama to high school students. Then, after about a year, her kidneys failed. She had many problems with kidney stones over her life and now her kidneys stopped working, she was also diabetic and had other health problems. She held on for 7 more years on dialysis, and unfortunately passed due to complications from her kidney transplant surgery. The whole time, my mother lived the gospel, not perfect but striving for it. She always had a smile for anyone that came along, she took any calling offered and put her entire soul into it, and she never passed up an opportunity to see, and give love to, my children. She endured many trials in her life, and any time something gets me down in my life I think about her and realize that I too can endure anything...I love you mom!
– James, Claremont, NC
NEW TODAY
MOST POPULAR
YESTERDAY