~*~Happy Birthday Mom~*~

One of the blessings that I am very grateful for is my mother. My mother is one of my best friends. I always thought she was so young and beauitful compared to my friends' mothers. Perhaps all children see their mothers as heavenly gifts. Why we sometime rebel against and decline such priceless gifts remains a mystery.

I don't remember my mother holding me when I was a tiny baby. I don't remember her cuddling me, whispering to me or rocking me. I don't remember her walking me, smiling at me or crying over me as I kept her awake in the night. I don't remember and yet somewhere deep within me lies those very undeniable memories. Somewhere, something whispers that my mother loved and cared for me. I will never remember... but will never forget.

I do remember my mother teaching me how to pray, to study the scripture and who Jesus Christ is. I remember her teaching me right from wrong, to care and share for others. She also taught me to have a sense of humor, to love everyone and instill in me my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All these things that she has taught me will never be forgotten but will be taught again when I begin my motherhood.

Pres David O McKay said, "Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakes a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world... She who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters... deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God."

I am awed at my mother's courage to raise my 7 siblings and me and always appear so confident.

My mother colors all the memories of all the moments of my childhood. The tears, the guil, the laughter and there sure was a lot of laughter, andthe joy of that time of my life centers around her place in my existence. And yet it is today's memories that are deepest in my heart. My relationship with my mother is very special to me and I cherish her more every day in my life. I am proud of her, grateful for her and feel her love reaching out in every difficult moment that comes my way. As a child and now as an adult I adore, honor and love my mother. Without her the difficult moments in life would be more hopeless and the joyful eventes would be tinges with a longing for her laughter.

I never imagined as a child that she would become my most cherished friend. My relationship with my mom has taught me how to better prepare myself for whatever may come.

First Presidency issued this statement on "Motherhood" many years ago. They wrote, "Is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its calling and service next to angels."

Mom, I love you. Manuia lou aso fanau!