A Whole Bunch!

Tonight for YW the mothers were invited to join the activity. It was themed around how we are loved "a whole bunch" (e.g., grapes). I felt honored to be included in the realm of motherhood. In some ways, I feel very much like a mother (because I get the daily privilege of serving and loving four incredibly amazing children), but in some ways (mainly because I haven't given birth to a child or haven't raised a child since birth), I feel like an imposter. It is often hard for me to hear generalized messages about motherhood, especially when they reference all the years mothers have spent with their children or how those mother sacrificed hours of sleep when they were infants, etc. I don't feel like I fit into the "motherhood" categories that are described in such messages. Yet, I know to be a mother doesn't require raising a child since infancy or even many years, I feel it requires a loving heart and an ability to forget oneself in service to the children within your care. By that definition, I guess I truly have had years as a "mother" - as I worked to rescue children from abusive homes, as I labored with the YW in my previous ward, as I counseled with troubled youth experiencing traumatic situations, and as I was privileged to work, play and serve my amazing nieces and nephew. Still, there were moments during tonight's activity wherein I wondered if I truly belonged with the other amazing women that were present...then I looked over at my two beautiful "daughters" and knew I was right where I needed to be. I may only get a few short years with Laurin and Amber before they go off to college or on missions or married, but I intend to cherish each day. At times I feel unworthy of the privilege to help raise these two amazing young women. Each of them have unique talents and testimonies that never cease to amaze me. I don't think Jeff or I will ever know the depth of emotions they have coursing through their hearts regarding past injustices or situations; yet they continue to wake up with smiles and move forward with faith. I loved being there with them. We did a little mother-daughter interview wherein they were able to ask me questions about my likes, dislikes, interests, etc. It was fun to share some of my stories with them. In the end, the YW leaders interviewed each of the young women and compiled a DVD of short, sweet messages from the girls to each of their mothers. I was touched when I first heard Amber speak my name and address her message to me. Tears filled my eyes as both girls shared their gratitude and recognition of my sacrifices and efforts. I feel blessed to have two amazing daughters that I love "a whole bunch"!

I have no clue why Blogger keeps flipping my pictures. Oh well...you get the point.