I was once faced with two very good, noble decisions: to serve, live among, love, and share my beliefs with the beautiful people of Portugal for 18 months, or stay home to marry Ryan. I was torn and wanted both. BUT, 18 months is a long time to allow "things" to change. All the what-ifs that clouded my mind caused me to spend days sulking in my bed. I knew what my parents wanted me to do, butbutbutbut. My mom walked into my room on one of these days and sat on my bed. "Katy, get up and figure out what you're going to do. You know our wishes, but this is your decision, so go talk to the bishop and get advice from someone who isn't so involved." So, I did. I tell Ryan he owes me a mission. He says as soon as we can get these kids out of the house.
My mother is strong without being forceful. She is solid without being harsh. She is productive without being pushy. She is inspirational while being respectful. I've learned strength from her example. She's the kind of mom who wears the jewelry you make her, whether you're 3 or 31. This morning I called her and we talked for 1 hour and 23 minutes. Knowing me and my resistance to chat on the phone, this is saying something. Happy Birthday, mom. Love you.
What a great Mother to have. You are very blessed. Can I love vicariously through you? I kinda got the short end of the stick where Moms are concerned!!
ReplyDeletehappy Birthday to your Mom.
so sweet. I long to be that kind of mom for my daughter. Thanks for sharing. And Happy Birthday to your momma.
ReplyDeleteI can only hope my daughters love me as much as you love your mom! It seems to show in all you do!
ReplyDeletebeautifully, beautifully put.
ReplyDeleteand thank you for that peek into a torn time of butbutbuts that i faced as well. (so now, what do i owe ben?)
beautiful picture, too.
oh, i love you as well.
ReplyDeleteTHank youf or encouraging Katy to get up and do something. You are wonderful.
RD
What a sweet sweet post. And what a cool decision you made. I hope you can serve a mission some day.
ReplyDeleteYour mother is one of the best people I've ever had the privilege of meeting and spending time with. She blesses everything she comes in contact with, including me! Thanks for sharing her with the people and the missionaries in Korea. ^_^
ReplyDeleteWasn't that the best chat? Thank you for the kinds words. I love you!
ReplyDeleteWell said. She makes us all better just by being with her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great mom! Happy birthday to her!
ReplyDeleteKaty, today is my sweet Mama's bday too and she is 68! She had a temporal lobe stroke 5 months ago and it has changed her personality and memory immensely. 5 months and 1 day ago, we also would have talked that long on the phone. I can tell you love and cherish her and I am so glad you have that and nourish it. I miss it! I check your blog daily in my faves - love it.
ReplyDeleteWe are both blessed. I had a mother like yours who died in 1999 three days short of her 85th birthday, and I would do anything to have just one more of those long phone calls. I'm now a grandmother of seven and I have a very close relationship with both my daughters, as well as my son. Thank you so much for bringing back some very happy memories of my mother.
ReplyDeleteI served in Portugal and you must go someday. It is the most beautiful country.....the orange groves, the ocean, the architecture, the history, the food and the people. I miss it.
ReplyDelete