Tonight while Brian was out home teaching, I was catching up on old friends through their blogs. As I was doing so, I began to think of one friend in particular and the struggles they had gone through this past year.
This last spring, their 18 month old daughter fell into a canal. It wasnt until 1 1/2 miles down that an old man had found her and pulled her out. After weeks of this little girl struggling for life, her little body could take no more. As I sit here and think of the heart ache and pain this family must be going through, and yet how strong-hearted and faithful they are, I can't help but be filled with the utmost gratitude for the blessings I have received.
I've always wanted to be a mother. Sometimes I struggle and feel almost lost in how I should raise my girls, but I can honestly tell you that I have loved every single moment. To all the mom's out there, I think you're simply amazing. I don't think we realize how much time we give up, and how much we love doing what we do for our children.
I cant help but imagine how I would react if it were one of my precious girls that had fallen into that canal. It would be painful to wake up each morning to silence and not hearing little Crystal call out "mama." I would miss the long stroller walks and reading books to them. I would miss the tender moments with Crystal saying her nightly prayers right before bed with Abigail in her lap. I would even miss the tantrums thrown in public. :) I would miss everything about my girls.
How difficult would it be to lose such a precious gift and to go back being consumed with yourself, no longer focusing on your little ones?
As I sit here and ponder these thoughts, I came across this wonderful quote from Pres. Gordon B Hinckley...“I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”
That's what being a mother is, it's service. That's why it brings so much joy. So tonight, when you've had a long day and your kids are on your nerves, take a moment as I have and realize how much different you would be without them.
