Since it is Mother's Day, I stop to reflect about my own mother. She was the best mom for me! And, oh, how I miss her in my life. I can't believe that she has been gone for 10 years now. Ten years of not having my mom to share milestones, challenges and adventures with. I'm sure she can follow what we are doing from up above, but I miss having her with us. I often wonder how mom would react, if she were here, to some of our crazy times. I know she would be there during those moments of challenge with soft spoken words of encouragement. And at times of joy, like a new baby arriving soon in our family, I know she would rejoice with us. However, I also understand that she will be doing all these things anyway!
I am grateful for my mother's example of gospel living. She was always encouraging me to attend meetings and activities, because she knew that these experiences would strengthen my testimony. Her support, especially when I was a Young Woman, did lend a great deal to who I am today. When I was about 5 or 6 years old, mom was called to be a Sunday School teacher, for my class, because I wouldn't go to class. I remember her being my teacher for a couple of years at least. She taught me the gospel at home and at church. When I was 18, mom and I were pioneers of the Sunday Relief Society meetings. I thank her for all that she did for me.
Mom was a wonderful example of being a hard worker. I grew up at a time when mom's usually stayed home with their children, like June Cleaver. However, my mom was one of the few women in the ward that worked full-time outside the home. Mom worked with dignity and honesty, and was sometimes overlooked for her leadership. She was dedicated to her work, but very much dedicated to her family. Every Saturday, we had household chores to do. When these chores were done, we could go for our weekly grocery shopping. Other shopping was done as well. Grandma Hult always went with us. The chores I always remember doing was to dust the living and dining room, and vacuuming the entire house.
Mom and Dad on their wedding day, March 31, 1951
The most important quality I learned from my mother, was the love of family. She was a great daughter, sister, mother, wife, and grandmother. I watched my mother take care of her parents for many years. Early on in my memory, she was just always there for them. Since she worked full time at the bank and would get home on Friday nights about 7:30pm, grandma Hult would make dinner for our family. The rest of us would eat about 6:00pm, and mom would eat the plate that grandma made for her when she got to their house after work.
Since mom worked full time, I stayed with grandma Hult during the week, until I was 5 and in kindergarten. As I got older, I stayed with grandma after school until I was in 6th grade. I remember every single Friday night, mom would set grandma's hair in curlers. She did this until grandma passed away. Grandma loved having her hair set then, so on Sunday, it would still look nice for church. We lived just a block way from my grandparents, and mom was very caring to be sure they had what they needed. As time went on, and grandma and grandpa started to age, mom was there. After grandpa Hult passed away, she took great care of grandma. Grandma never learned to drive, so mom made sure she got to where she needed. When I got old enough to drive, I then took over that opportunity. It was an honor.
When I arrived at adulthood, my mother was a good friend. She and I did many things together. Since dad worked nights, mom and I found ourselves going out to dinner, attending plays in the city, and crafting together. I remember for a few years, when macrame was a popular thing, she and I took classes at a craft store named "Buzy Bee". Buzy Bee brings up quite a few memories! Mom and I loved to craft so we were there many a Saturday. Sometime, I should post about some of the crafts we did together. This would include those acrylic grapes that every LDS women made in the 60's! The other place we loved to go to was the fabric store. The fabric store we went to was called New York Fabrics. That place was huge! twice the size of any fabric store now, except for Britex in San Francisco.
The time came when we were planning my wedding to Scott. Mom was so excited for me that I found a man that I was so much in love with. Every time we worked together, we talked about lots of things. One of those things was the fact that she had not been through the temple for herself yet. At that time, women that were married to non-members of the church were not allowed to take out their endowments. I know she was very sad that she was not able to be in the sealing room when Scott and I were sealed for time and eternity. I saw her tears when I came out of the temple. I could tell they were sad tears, but also very happy tears. Later, when mom was able to go to the temple, she again had tears. Happy tears, but sad ones because dad still wasn't a member that could enjoy the temple blessings.
I am grateful for my mother. I sincerely hope that I may be like her. I love you mom!
