Mama

Sunday was a perfect Mother's Day. I attended church with Mom and Dad. During Relief Society each sister shared memories of her mother. Cindy and I felt tickled that we were together and able to pay tribute to our remarkable Mother.

Mom was hired as a secretary at Jefferson Junior High School when I was a teenager. She loved working through the school year and having the summers off. I love looking at her school photos through the years. Here are a few of them. Can you believe how beautiful she is? She was always stylish and her hair reflected the current trend.

Mom was efficient with a capitol E! Today, Cindy and I marvel that there was never a dirty article of clothing in our home. Each morning when Cindy and I awoke, everything we'd worn the day before was clean and folded neatly at the foot of our bed!

Even though she never considered herself a good cook--she WAS. She would serve up amazing meals. Dad tells the story of when she cooked for farmhands the first time. She'd been told how much they ate, and was nervous about having enough food. She cooked meatloaf in cakepans and literally had enough to feed an army, and there was food left over!

I have a vivid memory as a child standing at the foot of an escalator holding Mama's hand. I hadn't ever seen an escalator and was alternately fascinated and terrified. I desperately wanted to get on it, but the step kept moving and I was afraid. Mama did not simply put me on the escalator--(which is what I would have done as a Mom). She patiently stood by me for as long as it took for me to gain the courage to take the first step onto the moving staircase.

Mother's youthful personality made her a natural to serve as the Young Women's president. All the kids loved her. She was the Ward YW President for three bishops, and then served as the Stake Young Women's President for many years. Her life revolved around youth activities, stake dances, and girls' camp. Everyone benefited by her endless energy and fun spirit.

She was so supportive of any endeavor Cindy and I pursued. Honestly, anything we accomplished was because of her encouragement. On Sunday, Cindy said the greatest lesson she learned from Mom is to face fear and move through it. If you're afraid of something--and Cindy said she is usually afraid of anything new and unfamiliar--Mom said to put one foot in front of the other. Move through the fear and pretty soon, you're comfortable with it.

Dear Mama, thank you forever! Cindy and I pray you will treasure your remaining years watching posterity grow and progress. You've worked enough for several lifetimes--just sit back and enjoy the show!