This Year's Mother's Day Thoughts

Here's the phrase that stuck out to me this year as I reviewed quotes on motherhood for Mother's Day (from J. Anette Dennis during the 2023 Women's Conference at BYU).

I know my Savior because I know my mother. 

I'm so grateful that I can agree with that statement. Mothers inherently exemplify Christ-like traits, don't they? At least, my mother did. Through her love for me, I learned to feel my Savior's love for me as well.

In fact, whenever I hear the Primary song, "I Feel My Savior's Love," I'm reminded of my mother. She lived the truths taught in these verses.

I feel my Savior’s love

In all the world around me.

His Spirit warms my soul

Through ev’rything I see.

I feel my Savior’s love;

Its gentleness enfolds me,

And when I kneel to pray,

My heart is filled with peace.

I feel my Savior’s love

And know that he will bless me.

I offer him my heart;

My shepherd he will be.

Chorus:

He knows I will follow him,

Give all my life to him.

I feel my Savior’s love,

The love he freely gives me. 

This year my siblings and I were asked to describe our mom in one word. Here are some responses:

• Busy
• Selfless
• Planner/Organized
• Family History
• Normal
• Amazing

I thought about elaborating on each of these - because there's definitely some backstory behind these answers - but that will have to wait! 

What's important is that my mother was a great example of living as the Savior would. She was extremely loving, kind, faithful, willing to serve, a great teacher and learner, a covenant-keeper, and the epitome of motherhood - something that she desired to become from a very young age. I've been greatly blessed to have such a noble woman in my life.

about 1950 - Mom (on right) with her mom and younger brother and sister

1970 - Mom and Dad with their biological children

1981 - Our family with adopted children added