Being a mom

Being a mom is one of the most wonderful, joy-filled parts of my life. That's not to say that it has been easy or that I have been good at it, but it has been the source of my greatest happiness and satisfaction.

At one of my last doctor visits before Steve was born, my doctor surprised me a little by commenting on what a miracle the whole birth process is. I totally agree with him, and I am so grateful to have been able to have had that experience.

Like most moms I know, my children have brought me to my highest highs, and my lowest lows. Being their mom has tested my creativity, patience, endurance, and empathy. There have been sleepless nights, more worry than I care to remember, many hours in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up, and much time on my knees pleading for guidance and help from my Heavenly Father. There has also been much laughter, wonderful conversations, pride in their efforts and accomplishments, and much joy just being together.

My fondest dream is to be with my family. We are now spread out over 4 states and rarely are we all together at the same time. But that is what I long for, to have my children around me with their husbands and wives and children. I no longer consider myself the mother of 5 but of 9; and very happily the gramma of 10. They seem to be part of me ~ maybe that's natural for a mom,  the 9 months waiting for the birth of a child creates a life long bond that is never severed. 

We read in scripture that 'This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.' It is evidence of our Father's love for us that He has created this plan for us, that we are able to participate in it,  at such an enormous cost to Him and our Savior. And what a privilege it is to play a small part in that plan, to help others along that path, as we form our own families and welcome God's precious children into our homes.  Being a mom has given me insights into how our Father loves us, how completely He wants us to be happy and to be with Him again.

If I could go back in time and re-do my mothering years, I would do many things differently; I made mistakes that I regret.  But I don't think it possible that I would love my children any more than I do now. I think that is the most important and pervasive thing I have learned from being a mom ~ how to love.

So thank you Rachel and Dave, Scott and Donna, Rick, Robin and Dennison, and Steve and Krista. I love you more than you know, more than life itself.