Blessed

Juanita Clark

First of all, I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my Mom! I am so blessed to have been raised in the gospel, in a beautiful area, in a well organized and happy home with loving parents. I have so many examples of ways my mom has shown her love for me. Here are a few: I was a picky eater growing up and my mom made me special dishes of food when I didn't like something - for example - she made a green jello salad with cottage cheese and pineapple in it. I didn't like cottage cheese or pineapple and my sweet mom would put some of the plain green jello in a bowl just for me before she added the other stuff. I felt so special that she would do that for me. Okay so I've been accused of being a bit spoiled, but I always felt like I was just plain loved! And - I'm not a picky eater now, so it didn't hurt me a bit.

Many times I would come home from school and there would be a fresh vase of lilacs in my bedroom. My mom knows how much I love lilacs and this act of kindness demonstrated that she had been thinking about me that day.

When I was in elementary school, we lived very close to the school and I was able to walk home for lunch sometimes. I remember a particular day when I went home for lunch, Mom had warm tomato soup and toast ready for me. It tasted so good and I felt warm and comfortable. I really didn't want to go back to school, but of course, I had to.

Christmas was always such a magical time in our home. Mom always made it exciting and special for me. We lived close to a lot of my Stone cousins and I have many happy memories of times spent with them.

I remember when I had my babies, I looked forward to having mom fly out to help me - it was so comforting having her there and always a bit scarey when she would leave and I was on my own.

I love you, Mom, and I hope you know what a great influence you have been on me. Thank you for your patience, thoughtfulness, love and understanding and for all you continue to do for me.

Ruth Watkins

I also want to pay tribute to my wonderful mother-in-law for raising such a good son. She passed away in 2000, but has left an amazing family. She had 8 children, 50 grandchildren and later this year her 98th great grandchild will be born. She taught her children to be hard working, kind and loving adults. I'm so thankful for her great example and particularly for the way she raised Bryan.

Her family was and still is everything to her and I know she's still looking after her family and directing things the best she can!

A NEW GENERATION OF AMAZING WOMEN.........

Now I'm watching my daughter and my daughters-in-law raise their children, and can I just say how blessed I am to have these wonderful women raising my beautiful grandchildren? I am truly blessed and thankful for each one of them. Holly, Shannon, Tiffany and Mallory - THANK YOU for being such great mothers and teaching your children correct principles.