This photo is of my Mother, younger sister and my son Austin at 16 months, before my Mother became really ill.

The last few weeks have been a struggle for me loosing my Mother a year ago at the beginning of the month.  I think of her every single day and the impact she has had on my life.  My Mother was the most self-less person I have ever met.  She never once put her feelings or herself before her family and us children.  She was patient and kind and truly so giving.  As a result of her experiences she taught us your home, your family should be your haven.  You should always be kind and loving towards your family foremost, never using harsh words or making fun at others expenses.

Mother would do anything she could to help others, within her ability.  She made people feel at ease.  People opened up to my Mother with just about anything.  There were many times she wished they hadn’t, but she had such a large heart that she always listened compassionately and tried to help.  We were taught to put ourselves out for others, even if going along wasn’t always our first choice.  (Within guidelines and Biblical principles of course).

She had such deep love and faith in our heavenly Father.  Sharing and instilling this in her children were my parents top priority in raising our family.  Words go a long way, but her (and my fathers) actions spoke with a much larger impact.  My Father would tell us he couldn’t force the love in our hearts, but could massage our hearts to help assist us along the way.  They raised all five of their children to be faithful witnesses.

Even during her most difficult times when her health was starting to fade, she was by my side when I needed encouragement.  She came to every single doctor’s visit during my difficult pregnancies.  She not once left the hospital, all six days I was in labor before my son was born.  She was by my side for the birth of my son and daughter, which I truly treasure.

I could continue on about my Mother, as she truly was the most remarkable woman I have ever met.  As a Mother myself now, I can fully appreciate how much she truly did sacrifice to take such wonderful care of us.  If I could be half the Mother to my children, that my Mother was to me, I feel that my children would be blessed.

Even more so now, I can look back and wish, even though I spent much time with my Mother, that I had spent more.  I wish I would have told her more often how much I truly appreciated everything she had ever done, the sacrifices she made, and the loved she showed, how truly self-less she was. I miss our simple conversations and the joy she had watching her grand-babies learn and discover new things.

For those of you that still have the blessing of having your Mothers in your life, don’t take all that they have done, or are doing for-granted.  Tell your Mothers and your families just how much you love and appreciate all that they do for you, frequently.  Unfortunately, times can change so quickly and you can’t change what you haven’t done.  Daily appreciate those around you that you have been blessed with, that have touched your life profoundly.