MOTHER'S DAY MAY 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers, mothers-to be, and all those who will be Mother's in this life or the next. It isn't giving birth that makes a mother a mother. It is kindness, love, ability to be calm, sensitive, caring, picking you up when you fall. Loving you always, supporting you, feeding you, guiding you in the light of the gospel. For those of you who may never give birth to a child, believe that in the next life you will be greatly blessed. Just stay strong in your beliefs and continue to learn all that is required of you now, so when the day comes you will be very successful. For those who adopt: thank-you so much for believing in a child who isn't yours. For healing them, and allowing them to know what a loving family is like and how much each of us carry within ourselves. For those who are Mother's: remember the hard days will pass. The sleepless nights, the horrible teenagers, the messy house, it too will pass and in the end you will see the reward. For those Mother's who have had a child pass: The day will come and you will see them again. It may hurt now, but remember all those mother's from the past are comforting your child. Letting them be loved, and telling them stories about you. Believe in yourself, and know that the Lord is proud and just try your best. Don't compare yourself to all the other Mother's. You are special, you are amazing, and you have the life you meant to have. So maybe all of us don't have all the money in the world, maybe we don't have the perfect kids, but we have the perfect ability to love and teach our offspring that our family is forever, and that love makes it all better. Remember all those that have passed on, remember to love all those who are living now, and all who stand to be mother's in the future. Be the Best you, and believe that as long as you love and teach your children the best is yet to come. Celebrate this day, by understanding that you are the best Mother you can be. Listen to your heart, and pray for strength if you need it. Happy Mother's Day to all the friends, family, mother's, mother's to be whatever. Let us celebrate this day and maybe the name should be changed to Women's instead of Mother's Day. We send love and gratitude to all of you.

"Let every mother realize that she has no greater blessing than the children which have come to her as a gift from the Almighty; that she has no greater mission than to rear them in light and truth, and understanding and love; that she will have no greater happiness than to see them grow into young men and women who respect principles of virtue, who walk free from the stain of immorality and from the shame of delinquency. . . . I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world.

–Gordon B. Hinckley General Conference, October 1993"