My Mother

When I think of my mother, I think of music. She has a gift, a special gift of music. She has passed her gift on to each of her children. A gift that we too can pass unto our children, and so on, forever! :-) When I think of my mother, I remember this song (see above video). Long ago, when she was in high school--she was the star of the play Calamity Jane. A role that she played so well! Or so I have been told, many times, by many people!

Now, moving forward a few years. I was riding with my mother who was driving a large, awkward, motor home (to Homer from Anchorage, a long drive). I was her co-pilot at the time. We were having a great time talking about the past and lots of interesting things. She then was at the point of crazy-tired and she decided to "wake-up" by singing at the top of her lungs. She sang "her" song. She sang Secret Love. I remember thinking, WOW!!! I always loved it when my mother would "jam-out" whether singing, and most especially--on the piano. She carries music with her, where ever she is. From Alaska to Samoa, and back again!

We would spend hours gathered around the piano, as a family, singing and singing. She has played for us on so many occasions -- I cannot possibly recall half of them! She has shared her talent most readily. She has NEVER hid it, or refused to share. She plays the piano for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE!!! She is such a treasure to our family, and to all who are showered by her sunshine!

I have a particular love for my mother. She has been an example of great steadiness in my life. She never "freaked out" or lost her cool. Yelling was not part of her mothering, rather, she used "looks". She was good at it too, and still is! She was the kind of mother who would say something like, "I am going to pull the car over if you don't stop" and then to the side of the road we would go! She said it, she meant it! She was always so strong, so positive, so loving. She has a grand capacity to love all. She was a mother to SO many children, besides her own. Our home was always filled with people, aunts, uncles, relatives, friends. She welcomed all, and treated everyone so well they always wanted more!

My mother loves teenagers. When other mothers would complain about "the teenage years" my mother would talk about how wonderful they were. She believed it too! She loved working with the youth. So many roadshows, productions, choirs, musical numbers. She was so involved with the youth, and she loved them, and they knew it. :-)

Now, while on a mission, the youth flock to her (and my father). They have adopted them as parents, as so many others have in the past. They are so loved, and I know they will be missed by their Samoan children. We are grateful to the "Samoan kids" for giving hugs and kisses in our absence! I know I am so looking forward to real hugs, rather than "SKYPE" conversations!!

My mother has often been accused of exaggerating stories. :-) For example: Let us say that she was out "whale watching" in Alaska. Perhaps, there may have been about 5 whales, on a cloudy day. Then it is my mothers turn to share the story. Suddenly, there were 100 whales--all jumping out of the water at the same time--while a super-nova occurred, and exploded directly above the ocean scene. (Okay, so I exaggerated her exaggeration, a bit.) Now, was she making her story up? NO! NO! I understand now, I really do. As a mother, I see things differently than I used to. I see magic! I see things that only a mother--full of excitement and dreams--could see! My mother does not see what a normal person might see--she sees MAGIC!! I love it! :-)

Mother, you are so dear to me. Now that I am a mother, I love you so much more, I appreciate you SO much more, and I adore you so much more! I will always be grateful to you for your example of motherhood, steadfastness, and strength. When I think of you, I think of strength and great courage. Never do I think of fear, or doubt. Thank you for being strong, for being fearless, for being "Mom!" It is the very best thing you have done, and will ever do! Thank you for being MY MOMMY!!! I LOVE YOU! I will do my very best to carry on the legacy of love that was created years ago, by the mothers before me. In the tradition of "Wee Granny" I will, "Keep my face toward Zion". "Zion" for me -- is family!

Happy Mother's Day MOMMY!
I LOVE YOU!!
Mari