Happy Mother's Day

I find myself full of emotion on this Mother's Day. Here's why:

1. My mom called yesterday to let me know about an accident in my home town that took the life of a wife, mother, sister, and friend. I didn't acutally know her or her immediate family, but am well acquainted with some of her extended family. This tragedy has been on my mind ever since I found out. I am overwhelmed with grief for her loving husband and children; I find myself weepy when I think of her sisters and their sudden loss; I am in awe, thinking of her spirit - the joy and peace of being reacquainted with long-passed family members and a loving Father in Heaven. I am having difficulty explaining my feelings to my husband, as I can't tell him why I feel this way - I didn't know this person. I will just have to work through these feelings and trust in my knowledge that families are forever and this life is but a moment in eternity.

2. I awoke this morning realizing that Luke was up and being cared for my Rich. I enjoyed my morning sleep. During church, Rich took Luke so I could enjoy a wonderful RS Lesson about personal prayer and revelation - I needed that! I came home to open a fabulous gift from Rich and Luke - a picture printer! Now I can print all those fantastic memories I have saved on the computer. I am so blessed to be a mother. I always new my mom loved me, but I couldn't relate to the deepest level of love until I became a mother myself and found out what being a mother truly is. It is a gift - a challenge at times, but always a gift.

3. We are hosting Mother's Day dinner for my mom and sister. Mom called to let me know they were on their way, but running a little behind. When she explained why, I was brought to tears. My uncle came over to talk to my dad. I know this sounds simple, but for the past few years, they have rarely spoken. Trivial as it may seem to someone else, knowing my uncle took another step toward friendship means more than I can express.



I am so thankful for a loving family...I didn't say perfect - but loving and supportive. I don't know where my life would be today if not for wonderful parents and extended family to give support and guidance along the path of growing up. I feel a great love for them. Happy Mothers' Day to all the great moms I know and love!!

I must add a few more thoughts before the end of the day.
Yesterday was a great day spent with family! We celebrated my niece's 5th birthday at Grandma's with a little mermaid party (complete with real fish)!! It was so fun to see the sweet innocence of childhood at it's peak. We ate lunch, we opening presents, we even had time for a nap. Rich's mom received her birthday gift early - a lounge chair for her back patio...we know where to find her this summer if she doesn't answer the front door. It was wonderful. We left all the kids at Jill's with a super-duper sitter and headed downtown for some grown-up time. We took Mom to The Melting Pot for a long-but-delectable dinner with three of her children. We had laughs, we had drips, we had a great time together. We then returned home to mostly-sleeping children. I don't know what more I could've asked for. Mom, we hope you had an enjoyable Mother's Day (and birthday to come). We love you!!