Missionaries all over the world are excited to call their Mothers today!
We will set up Skype for the Missionaries here.
I know that I will see, hug, and talk to Momma again one day
but for today...
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There is a sweet scripture in the 32nd chap. of Isaiah that reminds me of Momma. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." She had that gracious countenance about her.
I think it began with faith.
I think it began with faith.
Not just faith, as in believing things that are not seen and hoped for while waiting for truth to land on it...but a willing, working, wearing a smile faith that runs after truth with a jar and lid in hand! The kind of faith that grows up to become knowledge.
It was great faith that made it possible for my sisters and I to be born. Elder Spencer W. Kimball blessed Momma that if they would serve their mission faithfully, they'd be blessed to have the children that doctors said she could not have.
Momma had faith that the seeds of smell, taste, touch, music, prayers, humor, and home, would someday grow into a faithful family. And she loved our Father. OH! how she loves Our Father! We have witnessed a love story that will last forever. That Love of family and the Hope of Eternity...are all about faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Serving family and keeping promises is the faithful part...and she did both: Beautifully!
The moment we learned of their call to serve as mission President in the Philippines, I hurried to a travel agency. I'd make a fun brochure with facts and pictures! I knew how homesick Momma would be. I approached the desk with wide eyes and asked the nice lady if she could tell me about the Philippines. "Oh, you don't want to go there!" (The lady practically lunged at me with her list of why that was NOT the place to be.) I drove home a bit disanimated. I had so wanted to help Momma get excited-- but--too late---she already was! She was excited because Daddy was excited! That describes Momma. Her faith was not just to endure, but to enjoy, and she did! They love the Filipino People!
We were all surrounding them the night before they got on the plane that didn't let them off again for three years! Momma looked at all of us and said, "If we just thought this gospel was true, we wouldn't leave you, if we just wanted it to be true, we couldn't leave you," and then she got a bit teary, "but... because we know it's true...we are going...because of you!" My heart memorized that moment.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has never been a spectator sport or a 'have-to' or 'should do' thing for Momma and Daddy. It was a 'get-to', 'blessed-to-be-able-to' thing. They chose that gift. It's the only way it is given. 'Thy will be Done' requires great faith, the kind our parents have. Even in this...final and difficult test.
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A few weeks ago, Momma understood my question without me asking:
"Honey, I know the doctors can do nothing more, so I know that if I stay it is because of a miracle, and if I don't...it is ok...and I am glad to know that whatever way, it is right, because 'He' is in charge, and that brings me peace."
They told us they love us and Daddy said: "You stay there and bless us with what you are doing. We know you are with us everyday and we feel it." Momma added: Honey, if you came we'd just have to put you to work, and we have lots of helpers!
I love my sisters...the dish-day-partners-of-my-youth that have grown up to be beautiful like Momma.
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Why are you sad?' Alecio Andrade stood before me and wondered
This kind young Cabo Verdiano is the only member in his family. He has an understanding heart and is preparing to serve a mission when his one year baptism date comes.
I didn't mean for my feelings to seep to the surface.
I used my hem to quickly wipe my cheeks
"My Mother is dying", I whispered...feeling the tug again. Her name is Evelyn.
"Is your Mother a member of Jesus' true Church?" he asked in hope.
I shook my head and smiled yes.
"Has she been in the Temple?" His eyes sincere.
Again, I shook my head in thankful Yes.
(Oh Yes! I thought, They have been in the Temples!)
"Then"....And he paused a moment...
(not just trying to tuck me in...But trying to understand)
"Then .....why are you so sad? You will have her forever!"
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I know --how very very far...far away can seem...and yet because of our Savior, how very close forever is!
Just before our mission to Brasil, Momma pulled me into a room and handed me a small pewter star with the word 'faith' engraved on it and she gave me a long hug.
We'll be home just before Christmas to hang Momma's star on the tree. We'll feel her love whenever we take warm bread to sweet neighbors, and we'll smell the smells and see the lights and hear the Carolers as we celebrate the One whom our parents have patterned their whole lives after. The One whom they have become like, it seems to me. The ONLY One who can give us the gift of forever and His sacred offer to help us make it count
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| Yesterday...Declo, Idaho |
I love you Momma, Fiercely and forever, Thank you for being beautiful...your pattern and love bless me to walk the cobblestones of life with Joy!
I love you Daddy, I pray for your courage to continue in that peace which surpasseth understanding. I am sending a long hug!
Happy Mother's Day Momma!
My tears are for your Joy
and for the Blessing of Temple Promises...
and because...well...
because...
because...
I Miss You so very very much.
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