I know Mother's Day is in one week. It has been on my mind the last few days, and I've been thinking about what I need to do to prepare. I have some flower orders to fill. I showed my husband what I wanted for a gift. The men have the family dinner plans under control. All I need to do is clean the house on Saturday and make my mom a card and get her a gift and I'm all set.
My favorite way to prepare is to make a list and check it off, but God had some other Mother's Day preparations for me to make, and he taught me about it in church. First, my husband shared that he had seen a church friend greet his mother with a loving hug. My husband commented how that warmed his heart, and he missed hugging his mom. She died some years ago. I remembered that she was a fan of Paul and they had a fun time together. I wondered what it was like to not have access to one of your biggest fans, that person that just loves you and thinks you're the greatest. I also thought of his dad, who has also passed. He was such a support to us when we were in college. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have been able to stay home with my babies, and that was so important to me. My heart filled with gratitude with the realization of the impact of these people on our family.
Next, I asked a friend how she was doing. I hadn't talked to her for a while. Her eyes glistened as she described the struggle she was facing since her mom has passed. Her mom had had 2 strokes but was on the mend when one day she was feeling tired. She went in to lie down and didn't wake up. My friend found her lifeless but with a peaceful expression on her face. My friend said she had no idea what a loss she would feel when her mother passed. She knows her mom is with her father and in a good place, but a big part of her is gone. The world has gone gray and it will be a while before the color returns. She said, "I know taking care of your elderly parent is hard, but a mother's love is sacred. Cherish the time you have with her. You will really miss her."
I took these experiences to heart and I felt my attitude soften. I realized I'm very lucky that my mom is alive. It's a gift to have been able to spend the last 5 years together. She is exemplary in so many ways. She faithfully studies her scriptures and prays for herself and others. She attends church weekly and the temple regularly. She makes phone calls and writes notes to thank, encourage and check in on multiple friends and family members. She takes her calling as church greeter seriously. She knows everyone's name and inquires after people who aren't able to attend church. She shares her stories of her childhood and young adulthood so I can know her and my ancestors better. She empties my dishwasher and tidies my kitchen every day and she has a cute sense of humor with that bubbly Miner family laugh. She fills our home with music from "White Christmas," "Singing in the Rain," "The Sound of Music," and Barry Manilow's greatest hits. She's teaches me to say, "I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?" If it wasn't for her, I might not get to go on weekly Thrift Store runs.
As Mother's Day approaches, I feel thankful to be a mother. I have 9 wonderful children who I love dearly. They have added spouses and grandchildren to make my life even richer. I hope to hear from each of them on or around that day. I am also grateful to spend the day with my own mother who has given her all to God and her family. I'm going to remember, a mother's love is sacred.
