Two days ago I was asked to talk in sacrament meeting today. The subject? Mothers of course. I didn't have much time to prepare, but I threw something together a couple hours before church. From what I am told, it turned out good (but I know people can sometimes be nicer, so I'm pretty sure it was just okay).
This was a particularly touchy subject for me considering my own relationship with my mom. I was talking to a room full of people who grew up in the LDS church... then there is me, I moved out of my home when I was 16 years old and have had a rocky relationship with my mom as far back as I can remember. But still, she has managed to teach me a few good principles in life, manners, and how to just be respectful to other people no matter where they come from. She has also always encouraged me to be my own person. She never once said anything bad about me joining the church.
I will never publicly talk bad about my mother, she gave life to me, and for the I am completely thankful and grateful for. No matter my relationship with my mother, I will always love her for that simple fact.
My talk mostly focused on the women throughout my life that were like mothers to me, be it briefly or long lasting. Of course there is my step mom who loves me as if I were her own flesh. I talked about my 3rd grade teacher, my high school theater teacher, my grandmothers, my aunts, my "Wisconsin" mother (who so patiently listens to me as I ramble on and on about the most meaningless things) my friend Katie who will be by my side the first time I go through the temple, Isaac's mother. I wanted to express to people that God puts in our paths people who will help develop our personality and talents. I am so blessed that I have had so many wonderful women in my life to help me grow into a better person. It's not just one person, or one family, that raises an individual, but rather, it's a whole village. Think about it, more than just your family helped you to develop into the person you are now today.
I thank Heavenly Father for knowing me so well, and putting the right people in my path to make me the person I am today. I am loved by many many mothers all across the United States, and I am so thankful for all the people who I have come across in my life. I am very much looking forward to the day I can be a mother.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!