8 Mothers In My Life
And The Lessons They Taught Me
There have been many women in my life that I’ve learned from. Many that inspired me to be better person, or have shown attributes that I look for as I date. There are far to many women in my life to list all of them. So if you’re not on this list take no offense, if your in my life there is a good chance I’ve learned from you also. But I wanted to highlight a few of the Mothers in my life, and what they’ve taught me.
Donna (My Mom)
My mother is a convert to the Church, she taught me to seek the truth, and knowledge. She also home-schooled me. My mother taught me to read using the scriptures, specifically the Book of Mormon, to me the scriptures are written in my native tongue. I cannot thank my mother enough for this it has enabled me to understand them more, and I love them. Thank you mom, I love you.
Candace (My Auntie)
Candace was a lady in my neighborhood while I was growing up, she “adopted” me as a nephew. She treated me like a son. She showed and taught me that a lady becomes a mother not just by having children (she was not able to have children). But a lady can become a mother by treating the children around her like her children. I am so thankful for my auntie, and also my late uncle Alvin, I love you both!
Julia (My Sister)
I still remember vividly sitting on my bed and my sister and talking about the Gospel, she loved Sam (Nephi’s brother) and would talk to me about him all the time, how he was righteous, yet he was in the supporting role to Nephi. She always talked about serving a mission, and the book of Mormon. When she competed serving her mission she came home and shared stories of serving in North Carolina. She was the one that inspired me to serve a mission. To this day her Mission copy of the Book of Mormon (That she gave to me) I still have in my car and I read it all across the country. I love ya sis!
Ruth (A Lady from my Mission)
Ruth was a member on my mission, she struggled with living many aspects of the Gospel. But she showed me a determination to be a member missionary. I still remember sitting there with my companion and we counted all of our referrals, when we noticed that this good sister had given us over half of our referrals for the entire month! She would always have us over to her house. She would invite everyone to learn from us. Truly she shared the gospel with everyone, she did not judge, but shared freely with all.
Vicki (A Lady from my Mission)
Vicki was the relief society president, she had a good sized family, and was an active member missionary. She was always serving, and fulfilling her callings and bringing her kids to church. Sounds like a normal faithful mother, right? The difference was Vicki was pulling her handcart alone. Her husband (super nice man) had stopped attending church. So it was on her to hold the family together. She taught me that in life we can’t let our situation turn into excuses. She had/has many trials that most people would use to create an excuse or reason to quit. But instead of quitting, she faithfully served in demanding callings, did missionary work, and set an example to others. Her actions taught me to honor, and keep my commitments, and covenants.
Cathy (My Second Mom)
Cathy is the mom of my best friend, and my trainer from my mission (Elder Walker). On my mission she looked out for me, she treated me like I was family. Not just when I was with her son, but even after we got transferred. When I got home from my mission I loved visiting her house, it felt like I was “home” while I was with her family. I adopted her as my second mom, I would call her “mom walker”. She made me feel like I was a son, and part of her family. I am so thankful for my second mom! She taught me the value of treating others they way they “need” to be treated.
Loralee (My Mission President’s wife)
It feels weird to call Sister Wilkey by her first name of Loralee. But she was my missionary mom. Any time I saw her it made my day. I would tell people the worse of days can be better if you see Sister Wilkey. She was always happy and inspiring, being around her made you just feel happy inside. I noticed something, when I was around Sister Wilkey I wanted to become the best son of God I could be. She taught me the value of inspiring others. Not only would she do these things while on my mission, but now that I am home, I get messages, from her, checking up on me, my goals, my educational pursuits. And, she would ask for a “report” on how the dating life is going. And, in reply she would always give encouragement to keep my chin up, and keep trying. She taught me to seek a wife that will inspire me to always grow, and become better. I love Sister for all she has done, and still does for me!
Staci (Aunt Staci)
My aunt Staci is not really my aunt, she is my oldest sisters aunt in law. But I’ve adopted her. She has taught me about selfless service and valuing things and people appropriately. Staci is wealthy, far more wealthy than anyone else in my family or extended family. Yet, at the same time she is the most humble and service oriented lady I know. She values her temporal things, but only as a means to help others. She is always giving of her time, and substance to help others. She taught me to “value people, and use things”. When she hears of a need she fills it. She never desires to take credit. She will do things that help people, but she does it anonymously. She inspires me to be like the Savior, to serve others selflessly.