Celebrating Mothers and Miracles

A couple of day ago we once again celebrated Mother's Day.  This gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own mother, her life, her accomplishments, her character, and her impact on others.  As Nephi of old, I was born of goodly parents. My mother was a very nurturing mother.  By the time Jane and I arrived, she was already an accomplished mother to three other children - Neal (6); Kent (5); and Janice (2).  Having twins must have really impacted her emotional and physical well-being, especially since she expected only one new baby and got two. Two years later Gayle arrived and four years after that Phil completed the family.  

My mother was not supposed to be able to have children.  When she was a young woman, she had her appendix removed.  At that time the surgeon noticed that her ovaries had not formed properly so she would not be able to bear children.   Her mother, my grandmother, decided not to tell my mother about that because my mother's patriarchal  blessing (given to her by her own father) stated that she would be a mother.  Grandma decided to leave it in the Lord's hands.  When my parents met and married, they both wanted to have a large family.  Not knowing of mom's physical limitations to having children, they were none the wiser that their desire might not be realized.  However, according to my dad, during the first three months of their marriage, my mom experienced a lot of abdominal pain.  God works in mysterious ways, because on their first anniversary she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.  My dad feels that the abdominal pain my mother was experiencing was her ovaries developing correctly in order for her to bear children thus allowing the fulfillment of her patriarchal blessing.  I am so thankful that my parents were able to have 7 children and that I was counted among them.  I grew up healthy and happy blanketed in the love of two perfect parents.

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Mother's Day for me was very special. I must admit, having Cheryl around really adds to the joy of celebrating birthdays and holidays. She is much more into celebrating than Alan is.  Besides the orchids, chocolate/caramel apple, and card she gave me, she planned and prepared most of our evening meal consisting of pork roast, potatoes, carrots, jello, and chocolate caramel cake.  This was much appreciated!

Cheryl - putting on the final touches to the cake.

I am very grateful to be the mother of Ryan, Eric, Jared, Cheryl, and Kyle. It was such a joy to be able to talk with each of my children on Mother's Day.  Although our children are scattered in 5 different states, it is comforting to know that they are always just a phone call away.  I am also grateful to be a grandmother to Ethan, Ella, Olivia, and Milo. They are a joy to my life.  I will be able to spend time with each of them during the month of June.  I'm loving June already!