Friday, October 15, 2010

Happy Birthday Mom

I'd like to try a new kind of post for birthdays. At least for mom.
I was reading Sister Hinckley's book on "Small & Simple Things". I read through all of her quotes and little excerts on life that go with the quotes. I wanted to pick one that really described my mom and use that to express how I feel about her and her "legacy" rather than throwing random words together to spell her name. (I'm limited in my creativity and I'm sure I've just used the same words year after year...) So, I thought I'd use a source that had that "flare" with words. Sister Hinckley happened to nail my mom right on the proverbial head.





Now, while my mom means a million different things to me ranging all over the spectrum, the one that stuck out most to me was this one. The part in this that sealed the deal for me was "'You can't teach your children to be good. The best you can do for your child is to live a good life yourself.'"
My mom happens to be the greatest example in so many areas of her life, I couldn't simply choose a quote on "testimony" or "faith" or "service" or "dealing with trials" or so on and so forth. My mom has simply been an amazing example to me of living a good life. In every single way.
Mom, I hope you had a fun South Carolina style birthday, but I've missed having you just 30 minutes away and I want you to know that I can't wait for you to get back. I believe with all my heart (tears are coming...) that this page in this small book was the perfect way to tell you how I feel. I love you with all my heart and hope to high heaven that (besides looking just like you) I have some of the same qualities that you possess and can be a similar, even if only slightly, example to my children.
Happy Birthday, Mom.

Love,
Jenn

6 comments:

Morgan, Lindsay, Max and London said...

Perfect post, Jenn. I couldn't agree more. Love you, mom. Happy Birthday "week"!! Miss you already:)

mk said...

Thanks ladies. WAY more than I desrve, but I loved it!!! Great week and fabulous birthday!

Liz said...

Love you Mom!

M- Mother of four beautiful girls!
A- Aware! You always like to keep in touch and know what's going on with us.
R- Read! You're always reading and recommending good books.
Y- Yes! You're always willing to do anything for us.

Sorry I didn't do this sooner. I still love you more than "toncantell"!

mk said...

wThanks Liz! Love you all more than "tongue can tell"!

Anonymous said...

MK, I missed your birthday -- but agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed by your beautiful daughters.

Norton Family said...

such a cute post jenn, thanks for posting. i really need to check this more often.:)
It was so wonderful to actually celebrate mom's bday WITH her!!!! i don't think i've done that for 6+ yrs. You are a remarkable woman mom and i love you dearly. Thanks for the many hats you wear to keep our family together. WE LOVE YOU!