Me Thinks

Dear Mom,

You have been on my mind because springtime is the season that you left us.  You loved colors,  flowers, and beautiful bouquets and you delighted in even the smallest vase of vibrant flowers.

In the days just before you passed, you repeatedly expressed concern for Dad and how he would fare without you.  Your concern was accurate as he has struggled deeply without you, but he'll make it.  He is learning things without you here, and so are we. One of the things he has learned is the depth of his love and appreciation for you, and all that you did for him.

Remember that time I was assigned to clean the bathroom on Mendocino Drive in California? I cleaned it and told you it was done, however you lovingly marched me right back into the bathroom and showed me how to clean a bathroom thoroughly and well.  I have not forgotten that.  You taught me attention to detail and to give a job my best effort.

I remember the songs you sang to us when we were children, the myriad of people who came over for counsel and support, the rolls you made, the way you found the good in someone's talk or performance, the dental students you invited over for dinner (or missionaries, or friends, or friends of friends), the books you read and raved about, the way you praised Dad, and the way you treated your parents.  

I never remember you with a planner in hand, but you must have had some sort of system in order to accomplish so much.  Remember when you helped the boys with their paper routes? Remember when you stayed up late to help me with a paper my senior year? Remember the little notes of encouragement you used to write to me? Remember the Ward Bazaars and Roadshows that you helped with? I do.  I have a thousand memories of you and I cherish them.

You believed in all of us Mom, and your belief led to confidence and a sense of security. You believed in the good in life and you helped us find it. You are an example to me of finding all things that are "virtuous, lovely, or of good report." and dwelling on them. You believed in the Lord and you completely trusted Him.  Your strong faith was and is an anchor for me.  

I'd like to express my love to you and tell you how much I appreciate all that you did for me.  I'm sure I did not tell you that enough when you were here. I miss you! Thank you for being a happy, supportive, creative, hard-working, humble, diligent, and long-suffering mom.  You're the best!