Dear Mom,

You've been on my mind a lot lately.... 

It's Mother's Day.

You graduated from this life in May.

Two precious babies have recently left your presence and have come to our large extended family, and two more are due this summer...JOY! 

I think more than anything, the reason why I've thought so much of you is that I'm at a point in my life where I am walking in so many of the shoes you wore... mother, wife, Primary worker, teacher, taxi driver, cook, housekeeper, nurse, etc... I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for you today.  I appreciate the meals you prepared, the tears you wiped from my eyes (& shed for me), the ouchies you bandaged (& stitched!), your prayers, the housekeeping you did day in and day out, the drama you listened to and actually helped me through, the clothes you made, the rooms you decorated, the straight A's YOU got in paralegal school (w/ 10 kids in tow!), the church callings you labored in with love, the support you gave me in developing my talents & sharing them, the things you made just for me, for teaching me to cook for a crowd (all of our recipes served 12:)), teaching me housekeeping 101, teaching me the gospel and living it the best you knew how, all the while going through nine pregnancies (after I was born), 7 newborns, and ultimately raising 10 kids.

I didn't say, "Thank you" often enough.

I didn't say, "I love you" enough.

You never felt good enough, but I want you to know that what you gave me was more than enough. 

Today I found myself on my knees in gratitude for you.  I could not have asked for a better mother for me.  I have a flood of memories of life with you and today I was especially grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ, because I know that because of His atonement you are a part of my present as well as my past.  I know that our mother/daughter bond continues and always will.  You are my angel mother, and my children's angel grandma; not just watching over our family, but touching our lives.

Because of Jesus Christ, I look forward to the reunion we'll have some day....."Woo-oo-Woo-oo-Woo-oo!"  Or is heaven more reverent than that?  Oh well, we can whisper, right?

Happy Mother's Day, mom.  I love you more than that!