Welch Whirl

Dear Mom,

Happy Mother's Day. We had a great talk in church today, and it reminded me of some things I haven't thought about for years.

Thanks for teaching us kids how to respect you. We may not have always given it but we knew it. Dad also played a role in this because he had NO patience for us disrespecting you. What a fantastic lesson. Simple, yet necessary.

(oh denim, remember when all denim was so cool?)

Thanks for teaching us how to treat each other. Brothers and sisters, that is. I love my brothers and that is because we had a peaceful home. They loved me, and they made me feel good about myself. Shane, Dan and Jeromy, were so good to me, not just siblings but also my friends. Yes, I got teased-but it was one way they showed they loved me.

(The best siblings ever!)

I've always wondered how I managed to make it through my teen years with my self esteem intact. I really believe it was because #1 Dad always said such nice things about me to other people and #2 the brothers were always good to me. You and Dad just expected it and that has made a world of difference to me. #3 I felt accomplished, whether that came from hard work or from sports, or in other ways, I felt accomplished, you encouraged all those extra things in my life; piano, soccer, cross country, summer jobs and working around the house.

I'm grateful for the dating lessons. You taught me to expect a certain behavior from boys and because Dad was so great to always open your door, or hold your hand, or do what was asked of him, then of course I expected and looked for it as well. Ben is wonderful. The perfect husband. I have you and Dad's example to thank for that.

(Oh, we have all come such a long way.)

Thanks for teaching the gospel. I have always loved that you have taken your callings and assignments so seriously. You have always shown those that you had stewardship over that you cared enough to spend the time on a lesson, an activity etc. I remember many a night when you practiced your seminary lessons on us kids. You were so great at supporting Dad with F.H.E. Because of your great example I want to be better at all my callings. I've also really admired your knowledge of the gospel. Whether you are prepping for a seminary lesson or just taking an institute class you always take it to the next level. You are both great examples of feasting on the word and not just reading the word.

Finally, thanks for your commitment to the family. Sometimes that meant fresh bread and jam after school, dinner at 6:00 p.m., (heaven forbid anyone ever missed the 6:00 dinner hour) or reading scriptures in the car on the way home from some event, (you and Dad were so good to always fit it in when it seemed impossible) and now that means flying hundreds of miles to be with us for the big moments like baptisms and baby blessings and sometimes the small moments in life like painting walls and dressers and shopping.

(Wait, I know that look. It is the same one Rosie gives me,
I guess I know where she get her attitude. te hee)

Thanks for being the example that you are. Happy Mother's Day.

I love you,
Sharalee