Madres of Compadres

WOW MOM MOW WOM

Once in the middle of my senior year I was in Seminary and we were having a lesson about Mother's and how AWESOME they are.  Well Bro. Williamson had lost his mother 1 year earlier, and I had also been in his class at that time too and was totally familiar with a lot of what happened.  But a year later a new detail of his experience was shared.  After his mother had passed away one of his closest friends from his youth gave him a call and was extremely emotional.  He had been very effected by the passing of his dear friends mother.  At this point my little imagination ran away with me and I realized how the days that my best friends mothers passed on were going to be some of the most difficult of my life.  

Sound a little extreme?  

If you knew these amazing women you would never think so.  These are women who know just as much about what you're doing as your own mother.  Who greet you with an excited smile and hug each and every time they see you, even when you're always just walking into their house.  Who when it's your birthday the gift isn't just from their daughter, who cheer for you from the sidelines and congratulate you as if you were their own.  Women who introduce you as not only their child's friend but also their own, who are so completely ready and willing to help you - in times of difficulty or when you're just going through with some crazy plan.  Women who will sit and talk with you for hours, never once making you feel like a burden, even when its 5 in the morning and they wake up to find you still at their house, not having slept for a minute.  Women who never once thought of themselves.  Who always showed that the most important thing to them was their family.  Who invited you in to be with that and learn from that family.  Who understand how much you need their son or daughter.  These are women who have done so much to change my life for the better.

Women who will never fully understand the way their daily choices being congruent with the gospel will truly change the world.

There is no doubt that I have been blessed with extremely special friends, that the Lord has been teaching me and showing his love to me through them.  I've needed them.  So even more so there is no doubt that their angel mothers are an irreplaceable blessing.  What they have given to me I could never repay.  But that won't stop me from trying - and the only way to even come close would be to emulate their amazing accomplishments.  To follow their Christlike examples.  To try to build character as strong, integrity as true, kindness so real, patience so quiet, a smile as accepting, love in such abundance and an example shining as bright.

But for now, here's an attempt to tell you thanks for showing me what really matters:

Anne Hunter - Oh the shopping trips and drives to work at the shop.  You taught me the value of hard work, no one is busier than you.  You showed me through your own sacrifice how nothing is more important than following the Lords will, and that even if it may be difficult He will always provide a way.

Shauna Maughan - You showed me how fun the gospel really is. And raised a daughter so full of faith and reliance on the Lord that there's no way I couldn't learn from her.

Carol Voorhees - thank you for the great late night talks that help me remember that sometimes its the friendships that are more important than even things like sleep.  And that I know I want to have a close relationship with my kids. 

Terri Lennartson - Could anyone be stronger?  Or have any more reason to focus on themselves?  But still could there be anyone who gives so little thought to their own needs (like mother like daughter), let alone dare complain.  Could anyone rely more on their raw and real faith in the savior. Could anyone be better proof that truly with the Savior by your side you can conquer ANYTHING?

Marianne Ruben - Never have I felt so accepted or loved.  I just want to be around you and soak in all your goodness.  I truly thought that Nate was the most prepared missionary I had ever seen, and I know that you are a huge part of that.  I'll always be around, even when the boys are gone.  There will always be more to learn from you.

Julie Beck - from the long talks to AP Cardio parties to the success cheers you have always been there to help.  Never once not going above and beyond to help us out.  A stop in at craft central will fix anything!  Your joy is so genuine, and its been leakin out all over me since day one. You show kindness more than anyone I know!

Gloria Irion - I have spent countless hours in your home.  I love how it is so inviting and welcoming.  No matter who it is you just love them and are always showing that love.  Lindsay and Russell have been some of my greatest friends, but even beyond that the examples of your other kids have had an effect on me.  I'm so lucky to be atleast a little bit familiar with the Irions. :)

Congrats reader if you've gotten this far.  But as you can see these are some pretty amazing daughters of God.  And ya I'm extremely blessed, words don't even describe.

My hero's hard at work :)

So this is how I feel about my friends mom's. - Can you imagine how it is with my own?

WOW MOM MOW WOM