My Mom

I've never been asked to speak on Mother's Day, so I've never had a chance to tell the world why I alone have the best mother that ever breathed. But this blog is at the mercy of my keyboard, so here goes:

First, my mom loves me unconditionally. I know that she probably wishes I were more "perfect," or even "less horrible," in some respects, but she never says so. At the worst times in my life, she was the first person I called. When I'd lost my first chance at becoming a mother she told me she loved me and Heavenly Father would let me try again.

She's very strong. In fact, I only remember one time that she wasn't totally strong and completely in control, and then she let me be strong for her.

She gives excellent advice. She once told me that "If you have to work, you might as well make as much money as you can doing it. You'll spend the same amount of time whether you're making a good salary or minimum wage."

She knows the answer to every question I've ever asked. "Mom, how many begonias do I need to buy to fill up my windowboxes?" "Mom, how do I get chocolate out of the carpet?" "Mom, why was Japan involved in World War II in the first place?"

She's an excellent writer and, frankly, hasn't been given enough opportunities in this area. Once or twice she's written a Letter to the Editor of our local paper, and very eloquently pled her case.

She could have a second career at any time in any one of a dozen fields. Realty and floral design come to mind. She knows what looks good and what goes together best.

My mother is a musician. She plays the piano beautifully and beats Aunt Melody at sight reading. She can handle "stride" and accidentals with aplomb. She encouraged and at times forced me to practice on...well, choose your instrument: piano, violin, clarinet - I needed forcing sometimes. Of course, now I can play for enjoyment or use those skills to fulfill church callings, or earn money. She's doing the same for Helena: they play and sing together whenever Helena comes to visit.

Speaking of Helena, and Hunter too, my mom loves them, possibly more than me. :) She has both of them in giggles with songs and games from her vast memory, plays puzzles and watches silly kids' shows with them.

My mom taught me about determination, respect, dependability, and love. She always magnifies her church callings, shows up on time, attends every recital and concert (even the ones I gave as an adult for my own students), and remembers the little things for her family, friends, and coworkers.

When I was giving birth and was sure that my body would give up any time and I'd just die, she convinced me to breathe instead and helped me count through the contractions.

She knows the Latin name of every flower in Michigan (and she knows Latin, too, and enough French to be dangerous).

She manages to look like she's in her late 40s when she's really...older than that.

She has a wicked (and occasionally hidden) sense of humor. I mean, at the least expected times she'll break out with a one-liner and having me laughing out loud.

Mom gave me my first delicious taste of Disney, and shares my (ahem) "interest" with enthusiasm (or at least tolerant understanding).

Even though her life hasn't always, or even usually, been exactly the way she wanted it, she managed to make lemonade out of lemons (yes, she cooks.).

When my children are adults, I hope they love me as much as I love my Mom.

Happy Mother's Day!