Me as a Mother

As Mother's Day approaches I find myself thinking about the last five years that I have spent in motherhood.  I didn't always know what my purpose in life was, but five years ago, when Elise was born, it became very clear why I was placed on this earth.  I was given a responsibility, a great responsibility, to help in raising these young souls and assisting them each in becoming intelligent, secure, happy and caring adults.  It's a huge task, one that a hardly feel adequate for and am always unsure of the right way to go about.

I didn't know, I didn't understand how much love could be felt for another until I had children.  It wasn't a magical connection when my first baby was born, in fact I didn't know she had such a profound pull on me until events occurred that tested that bond.

I'm a mom.  It's a job/calling/position filled with many everyday, seemingly insignificant tasks that all together can make an incredibly significant in one's children.   

It is my belief that we are able to take two things with us after this life, our knowledge and our families.   Recently, I have learned quite a bit about my own lineage through family history.  Through learning about the women and men I am related to that came before me, I have found a sense of pride and security in who I am, because I know who I came from.  When I think about my grandparents, I think about their children- and I think about their children- and then I think about their children... It's incredible to me how so many can come from two.  Just from my own parents, they have four children, two son-in-laws and 6 grand children!  What a legacy they will one day leave behind.  What will mine be?  What sorts of knowledge will be passed down from me to my great-great grandchildren?  I'm not sure, but I do know it starts here.  

All that I have learned in life has been for the benefit of my children.  They are better because of my experiences. They will know more because of what I have learned.  I will do my best to teach them all I can while I am able to.  Even though my days may be filled with housework, potty training, wiping noses, kissing boo boos, running errands and taking my children on outings... it is all for their good.  I am their example and they will learn through me. 

I realize that I have some who are not of my faith that read my blog, but I would feel completely ungrateful if I did not mention how my relationship with my Father in Heaven has evolved since my having children.  Before I knew for myself, my Heavenly Father knew that I would be a mother one day and He has blessed me with certain qualities and talents that allow me to be the best mother I could possibly be.

Elise, Owen and Maggie- I love you.  It has been my privilege to be your mother and as much as I try to teach you the things you need to know, you do the same for me.  You have taught your dad and I about love and sacrifice.  While some days are more challenging than others, I hope you will always remember me as a mother who gave all she could for your betterment.