Before I Lost My Mom at 13, I Learned Many Lessons from Her

I often speak of motherhood on this blog and the spiritual and temporal importance of it.  It is a subject very near and dear to my heart.  I was the eldest of four girls and was the young age of thirteen years old when my mother crossed the line of reality and has never come back.  My mind has come back to this recently after sharing a lesson my mom taught me with the sisters in church several weeks ago.

When I was a young girl getting ready to give my first prayer in church, I shared with her my nervousness and was worried that I wouldn't say the right things.  She taught me to stop and before I ever began a public prayer to say a quiet prayer asking for the spirit and then begin the prayer.  I've always taken her advice and it continues to bless me.

My mom was a convert to the church when she was in her early twenties.  She had a strong testimony of the gospel.  She raised me well and even homeschooled us for four years.  She taught me so much in that short amount of time.  It was just enough to help me through life as I essentially lost my mom at the age of thirteen.  The things she spend a large amount of time teaching me will be with me forever.

After she started losing her mind I was angry and bitter towards her.  She divorced my dad and our family was split.  I blamed her solely.  At that time I felt that she ruined our family and my life.  I became not only the eldest sister, but a mother figure to my three younger sisters.  For many years anger was a form of self-preservation for me although ultimately it had it's effects on my health.

Through the years I learned to forgive her and be at peace that ultimately God is still in control. That even though she only would have thirteen years to teach me, she did a wonderful job.  I developed my own strong testimony through her example.

I look at my own eldest daughter who is now thirteen. She seems so young to me.  Have I taught her as well as my mom taught me in these past thirteen years?  They flew by in the blink of an eye.  I'm so thankful for good health and that I am still capable of raising my children. 

Life is precious and is shorter than it seems sometimes when we are going through the mundane, every day tasks.  Something I learned from my mom is to make every minute count to teach and train.  Mothers are so special.  I love President George Washington's words:  "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

Mothers can change the world with their influence and love. Never underestimate your importance! Take some time to watch this video and be inspired: