(If you need a little reassurance/reminder about being a mom, you should watch this little video.)
Today is my Mom's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom!
Really, she is my "step" mom.
But I find that to sound ugly.
She's been my "mom" since I was 7.
We never called her "Deb" because Alison started calling her Deb and she was only 2.
My Dad asked us if we would call her "Mom" in the house for Ali's sake.
I guess it just stuck!
She was only 27 then. Wowsers, that is really young! Can you imagine?
27 with 7 children (between the ages of 2 and 7). Makes me wanna cry.
She worked full time,
Put herself through nursing school,
Served diligently in her church callings,
Fed and clothed us,
Taught us how to clean properly,
And how to get along with each other.
I find no distinction between my "real" and "step" siblings.
That's because of my mom.
Then we all moved out
and got married,
like within 1 1/2 years of each other.
And gave her 22 grandchildren.
I often wonder how she did it...
And on the days when I just want to give up on being a mother, I think about her. And that gives me strength to keep going.
She's taught me that I don't need all of the greatest things now. And if I wait for that really nice couch (say, when my kids decide they hate sticky foods or move out), it will be all the more enjoyable! Good things come to those who wait!
She has taught me how to be assertive. If you don't like your service, it's okay to say so. If you have a concern, then bring it up. Things don't always get accomplished if you keep quiet. Although, this has sometimes gotten me in trouble...but not as much trouble as she has gotten into!
She has taught me how to serve others and magnify callings. If she can be the Young Womens president while raising 7 young children and going to nursing school and working, then there is no reason I cannot do any calling asked of me. I think of her often when I hear people whine about their callings (me included). And then I buck up and "just do it." Because really, I can't think of any reason not to.
But I think the most important thing I have learned from my mom is forgiveness.
She hasn't had it easy.
Her journey has been hard.
Her pain has been real.
And she endured.
And she is all the more beautiful and wonderful and better for it.
Thank you for teaching me that, Mom.
Your example helped me move on.
I love you, and hope you have the best birthday.
Love,
Andrea
Elder M. Russell Ballard on mothering:
"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else." “Daughters of God,” Ensign, May 2008, 108–10
11 comments to remember:
I loved your tribute to your Mom Andrea. She truly is a wonderful woman. It was neat to hear all you've learned from her and all that she's been through. She is a wonderful example of a mother and a member of the church. Happy Birthday Deb!
What a wonderful tribute and it could not be more true. she is an amazing woman. I have always admired her.. You have many of the same qualities she posses, you have learned well from her.
That was absolutley beautiful! Your mom is quite a woman and so is her daughter!
So how in the world are we suppose to to your birthday present to her. Sorry mom maybe I'll write you a song...
That was beautiful! She is lucky to have such a loving daughter to write something so beautiful to her. WOW.
That is really sweet :)
Thanks for sharing!
my step mom's name is debbie too! i just wanted to stop in and say hi. miss you!
I really enjoyed your post about your mom and tribute to all mothers. Thanks for sharing. I am a "birth" mother and a "step" mother and I love ALL of my children and I hope they know and feel how much I love them as you do your mother.
WOW what a great post. I am impressed with all your mom was able to do and raise a large family. Dang...I need to step it up a bit.
OH and if I told you some of our tales you might not want to camp there. :)
That was just beautiful. I had tears in my eyes. I too complain a lot about why things have happened to me, why others seem to have it easier. What an amazing person your mom is. How blessed to have such an amazing family now too! 22 grandchildren! WOW!
As your "birth" mother, I'd like to add one more special thing about your Mom. When it became necessary for the four of you kids to go and live with her and your Dad it was an emergency situation. If I remember correctly, she was never asked if she wanted the job, but stepped up with a wonderful attitude as she suddenly was Mom to seven kids aged 7 and under.
I will always have a special place in my heart for her. Of course, I'd much rather have been the one who raised you all but, as circumstances didn't happen that way, I now can look at all 4 of you, your strength in the Gospel, all of you served Missions, are happy, well educated, successful adults with wonderful families. I know that you all learned so much from your Mom, and these are mostly things you'd not have learned as well with me. I wish there was a way that I could convey to her just how much I appreciate everything she went through. I cannot imagine anything BIG enough to repay all she has done.
Maybe your love and devotion is enough for her. I hope that her Birthday was delightful
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