Happy Mother's Day! I have been very blest to have a wonderful mother. Here's a letter I wrote her for her 80th birthday last month:
Happy 80th birthday! I’ve often thought about how you have influenced my life. Every compliment I receive I should send to you because I am who I am because of you.
Growing up we were all taught to work. When typing your journal I heard you say over and over how this person or that person was a hard worker. I know that is what you admire in others and what you taught. I know that I would never of had nine children if it weren’t for knowing how to work. I would never have known how to keep my house and children clean, work in the yard, paint and remodel, serve in the church, take care of other people’s children, make bread, to cook great food, to grow gardens, glean the fields, to can, work at school, teach myself to read and write, help Roger at the golf course, and the list could go on and on. All of these experiences I owe to you teaching that simple concept of work. You taught this by example and love.
I love the gospel and Jesus Christ more then I could ever express to you. I don’t know anyone that was as faithful and diligent with keeping the standards and teaching their family like you did. What a strong and valiant daughter of God you are. I want to thank you for teaching me about prayer, tithing and obedience and just teaching me the love my Father in Heaven has for me.
I have told you on different occasions that I am married to Roger because of the advise you gave me. This blessing is one of the greatest blessings of all. I love him more then I can say. You never did say that I should marry him but you saw his goodness probably before I did. You told me that he would be a good father and husband, and that he would honor his priesthood. He always has.
Mom, I love you. I admire you, and I am very grateful I had the privilege of having you as my mother.
Love,
Deborah
