MOTHER'S DAY/Birthday Tribute

Since Mother's Day is on Sunday, I thought I would post this letter that my son, Mark, sent me for my birthday. It makes you happy to have had the privilege of being a mom. I did a few things right, I guess!

Dear Mom,

We have no idea if these letters will arrive in time, but we wanted you to get some mail on or near your birthday. You deserve to have the best birthday ever this year. It's hard to imagine how much influence one individual can have on an entire country (or countries), but it is my belief that those Asian people will be better just for you having been there among them. I suppose your missionary companion is doing some good there as well. Your service-oriented personality, your talents, and your positive attitude will leave a lasting impression long after you return home. I know that some will never forget you.
Although we can't wait to get you back in the States, we know you are doing some amazing things over there and that you are needed. I'm convinced that there have been certain people prepared for this special time when Sister Gibson is serving in Japan. They will gain from you those things they need to progress and, in turn, serve others and change their lives for the better.

Here are a few lessons I've learned from you over the years:

• No sewing project is too advanced for my mother.
  



• The hours that occur before most people even think about getting out of bed can be some of the most productive.
  



• Television and movies are best viewed with closed eyes.
  



• Why make a meal for just your family when someone else could benefit from a meal as well.
  



• Projects that could command price tags of hundreds of dollars can be done for free with an even better feeling of accomplishment.
  



• You don't have to be a scriptural scholar to have a strong testimony.
  



• Don't even try to stop the tears. After all, it really was a well-made and well-written toilet paper commercial!
  



• All Cub Scouts deserve a good swift swat on the behind from time to time.
  



• Brownies are real creatures whose stories have the amazing power to distract kids from fighting.
  



• Christmas is much more fun for the parents than the kids.
  



• When your kids go through painful but necessary learning experiences, as disappointed as you may feel inside, you love them like you've never loved them before.
  



• The best cure for a broken heart is a phone call to your mother.
  



• Even when you see your children making mistakes as first-time parents, you teach them how to do it the right way through example - no lecturing.
  



• There are thousands of ways to use your imagination to make a long car ride tolerable.
  



• Moms can do anything ... and usually better (Don't let Dad read this one!)
  



• You don't have to keep a tight leash on a child if he knows you trust him.
  



• Just about anything you buy at the store can be made at home for less money (e.g., bread, milk, cereal, yogurt, flour, clothes, furniture, pillows, decorations, flower arrangements, play-dough, etc.)
  



• Recipe books are overrated.
  



• A mother's love, room, and board are not just reserved for her biological children.
  



• A silly picture, poem, craft, or letter from your child is received in a manner that the child feels it was the most wonderful gift you've ever received.
  



• The exclamation "Oh grab!" is about as close to cussing as one needs to get.
  



• All a mother really needs for any gift-giving occasion is Calgon bubble bath.
  



• Always think of others' needs before even considering your own.
  



• Sometimes the housework can wait, especially if your child has a meet, game, concert, or scout meeting.
  



• Show your spouse you love them in little ways several times a day.
  



• Heavenly Father loves us; Jesus suffered for our sins; we have a living prophet today; and the Church is true!
  

I'm sure there are many more lessons that I have learned from you over the years, but these are the ones that come to mind right now. Please know that I love you and am so grateful you and Dad chose to serve a mission together. Your examples of church devotion and service have helped me greatly in my own callings. Your example of how to be a parent has helped me to be a better father. your example of how to love others has made me a better person.

I know I've never been the best at showing it, but I love you. I thank God that I was permitted to be born to such an amazing woman. I hope I can somehow live my life and raise your grandchildren in a manner that would make you proud.

Have a wonderful birthday!!

Love your son,

Mark