Saint Marti of the Mountain

Understandably, much has been said and written lately about my dad.  My memories of him usually revolve around things he said, advice he gave, and stories he told.  He lived a very cerebral life.

Such is not the case with my mother.

Though brilliant in her own right, Mom is a woman of action, service, and example.

In honor of Mother's Day this year, I'd like to share some of the reasons why I consider my mother one of the greatest blessings of my life:

*Mom is an unfailing optimist.  She anticipates the best outcome in difficult situations and works tirelessly to do her part to make those expectations a reality.  When hard times inevitably come, she forges onward, step by arduous step.  I sincerely doubt she has any idea just how strong she is, or how much strength of character and integrity she's developed and modeled as she's faced the trials and hardships of her years.

*On a related note, Mom has a special gift for seeing and bringing out the best in those around her.  Everyone loves my mom.  It's nigh unto impossible not to.  In fact, none of my siblings ever went through an "I hate my mom" phase.  In our teen years, my sisters and I would often discuss in confusion how our friends were always talking about their "terrible" mothers, and would express our gratitude that our mom was so great.

4 generations: Marti, Edith, Erin, & Joni

*Oh, certainly my mom wasn't perfect!  She'd probably be embarrassed if I tried to insinuate that she was.  There were times she was overwhelmed with a household of crazy kidlets.  I remember a few occasions when we were being particularly naughty and she was chasing us around the house and we wouldn't stop, until finally, she stopped, dropping to the ground in a puddle of frustration and tears.  We kids knew that we'd gone too far and felt great regret at causing our mom sorrow.  As a mom myself now, I still can't grasp the scope of the burden she carried, and stand in awe that she held it together the vast majority of the time.

*Mom also possesses an incredible humility and willingness to laugh at herself.  She had a particularly funny way of dancing that we liked to tease her about, and she always laughed along, exaggerating the moves for our benefit.

*When I was in 8th grade I decided I wanted to be a softball pitcher.  Mom had seven kids by that time, but she still supported my dream, helped me arrange weekly lessons, and drove me back and forth to those lessons.  Even more amazing, though she lacked any previous experience, she stepped in as my catcher, chasing crazy throws and enduring countless bruised shins.  How she found time for this, I can't imagine.

*I always knew the Gospel was important and real to my mom.  I don't recall her preaching to us, but she wore her heart on her sleeve.  During hymns or talks in sacrament meeting, my siblings and I liked to tease my mom that she had, "sprung a leak," when the predictable tears flowed.  I clearly recall finding her kneeling in quiet, fervent prayer alone by the side of her bed, and as I tiptoed away, her testimony anchored my soul.

*My mom has always been a shining example of hard work and she never shies away from difficult tasks.  She writes weekly letters to my brother on a mission detailing the events of her week and forwards those letters to the rest of us kids.  By the end of reading those letters, I'm exhausted!

*Mom recently went back to college, but she has always possessed a childlike enthusiasm for learning.  As kids, that meant it was pure torture to go with her to any museum or historical landmark.  She'd want to stop and read every. single. sign and placard.  She is forever asking questions, seeking to understand.  As I get older, I find myself becoming more like her in this way and I find it thrilling.

*When I was in labor with Graham, Mom was at the airport waiting for her flight back to her California.  It was a difficult situation for both of us.  As I paced the deserted hospital halls, exhausted and emotional, we exchanged text messages.  Trying to be light-hearted, I joked, "Sorry you're stuck at the airport hours before your flight...want to switch places?"

She typed back, "I would do anything for you."

Her answer was anything but light-hearted.  I could feel the intensity of her sincerity course through my veins.  And though she couldn't actually take away my burden, her willingness to do so buoyed me up.

*More than anything she DOES, the most important thing about my mom is her never-ending quest to BECOME like Christ.  It's the deepest desire of her heart and that's obvious to anyone who spends time around her.  She is the walking epitome of the scripture found in Matthew 5:16:

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven."

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  I never wondered why Dad called you, "Saint Marti of the Mountain."