A Letter to My Mother

Dear mom,

You have been gone for almost 16 years.

I still miss you so very much.

In the spring, I always think of your great love of flowers and beauty.

When I hear birds, I sometimes think of the robin story you told me and of your love of birds and hummingbirds.

At Christmas, I bring out the many items that you so lovingly stitched.  I cannot even imagine the number of hours it would have taken to do those stockings, table runners, etc.  They are treasures for me and for my family.

On the rare occasions when I have company and try to set a table, I think of the gorgeous table you used to set; not just the dinnerware, but oh, the food to accompany the pretty settings.

When I go to yoga, I often wonder if you did this pose, or that one?  I'm so proud that you were doing yoga before it was "the thing" to do.

I cannot even imagine the courage it took you to head off to Germany shortly after a World War.  You went alone with two children because dad was already there.  I don't like to go to Salt Lake alone, and you were so brave.

Flying with dad would have been such a scary thing, yet you would always go along so that he would not be alone.

The stories you told over the years about some of your sad moments come to me at times, and I want to weep for you.

As a young girl, I loved it when you would dress up to go to your brunch club or book club.

I love our Stake President, and I often think of you as the Stake President's wife and know the members of the Pocatello stake would have loved you and dad as much as I love our leaders.

Oh, my dear mom, I have such fond memories of you.

But, yesterday, as we were talking to a grandson,  I wanted to call you, to tell you about our grandchildren and five children, to brag about them, to share their lives with you.

It was an ache so deep in my soul that I cannot find words to explain those feelings that I had for those brief moments.

Dear Mother, you were a Saint, an Angel, a Giver, a Nurturer, a Woman for All Seasons.

And, my love is because you loved me.

I honor and love you.  Thank you for the great gifts you gave us as we grew up; unconditional love.

Summer 1965; a trip to New York for the World's Fair.  Kaey had to stay home and work for Mr. Bullock on his farm, so Allen and I went.  I took along a portable typewriter because I had to finish a term paper for summer school.  I just love those two younger brothers; and look at my beautiful mother.  I can't wait for the grand reunion when I hug her again!