Just because I love my mom.
I love her for choosing to stay on the right path while she grew up, and for teaching me to do the same. I take my parents for granted much too often. My mom and dad are the most loving, responsible, wise, nurturing, and righteous parents. If you've met them, you know what I mean.
Ever since I can remember, my mom has been by my side, encouraging and supporting me, but also counseling me. She's taught me things that I am forever grateful for. When I was young I begged and pleaded to wear "short shorts" and tank tops because that's what all the other girls wore and "short shorts" were for girls. Long shorts were for boys. But no matter how much I persisted, she never let me. And I can't thank her enough for that. Modesty is so important to me now and yet it's so easy for me because my mom taught me from a young age and it became a habit.
She taught me to pray, read my scriptures, follow in The Lord's footsteps, pay my tithing, fast, the list goes on and on. But I'm most grateful for the way my mom taught me to love others. She taught me through her example. Through her concern for each of us eight children that she raised by herself for four years. Throughout those years she provided for us and protected us. We were never neglected; we were her first priority. Somehow my mom was able to fill our home with love and with the spirit. I am beyond grateful for the safety and shelter I found in our home.
I've watched my mom take on the responsibility of relief society president, stake young women counselor, ward choir director, and many other callings that she eagerly and willingly fulfilled. With open arms and a caring heart, she reaches out to those who need fellowship, to those who are lost, to those who are struggling. Her testimony inspired me so much growing up. Memories of her bearing her firm and faithful testimony during fast and testimony meeting, family night, and family scripture study will always be with me. She had the strength and humility to turn to The Lord and help her through the darkest of times.
She never failed to tell us she loved us. And she still never fails to tell me every morning and night that she loves me. Her love for me is one of the best assurances and comforts in this world. I love my mom.
For now,
Alyssa
