Mom

I have been thinking about my Mom lately and the things that she taught me. She taught me to serve those around me. We had two women on my block growing up that were older. My Mom served them everyday. She took them grocery shopping. She mowed their lawns and did yard work for them. She was there just to talk. When Sister Stienblick got very old my Mom was there to help her in and out of the bath at night.

My Mom taught me to stand up for myself. She was never one to back down when challenged. If she felt there was something that needed to be fought for she would do it.

My Mom taught me to work at the things that are hard. My Mom had a difficult time in school because of some undiagnosed learning disorders. She had a hard time learning to read. She decided she didn't want her children to have a hard time and so even when we were babies she read to us. By reading to us she improved her reading skills and to this day is an avid reader. She also had a huge influence on my own daughter's love for reading.

My Mom gave me the most important advice of my life. While growing up my Mom urged me stay close to my Heavenly Father. That advice has seen me through every major decision and has brought me the most happiness.