“Few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of both the mother who bore us and the mothers who bear with us…

“Every time we build the faith or reinforce the nobility of a young woman or man, every time we love or lead anyone even one small step along the path, we are true to our endowment and calling as mothers and in the process we build the kingdom of God.” Sherry L. Dew

 Our thoughts and hearts are turned to mothers today. For me, today’s thoughts are much like the last few weeks’ reflections, since things have settled down a little for me and I’ve felt my mom often near me. I think of her with sweet longing, miss her with aching heart, and regret lost opportunities with anguish. Mostly, I feel her happiness, for herself and for me. What a tender mercy to know there is peace and happiness after the troubles and trial of this life.

My musings also include my daughter, who’s about to bring her fourth child into this crazy world. It’s scary for me, even though I know the plan of happiness, which was designed and is directed by our Father in Heaven. I’m in awe of the faith and courage she exhibits in welcoming a new little one to her busy, complicated, overflowing-with-life household. I know these valiant children are coming to help gather Israel and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior; they’ll be armed, just like each of us have been, with all they’ll need.

Today I’m also truly thankful for grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, counselors, and dear, dear friends who have mothered me, whether it be difficult days or delightful ones, when I’ve needed nurturing and someone with whom to share. One mother isn’t able to fulfill all those needs in her child, though that is likely her fondest wish. I’m thankful God is way ahead of us and provides us “a village” of loving women, from all walks of life, to listen, understand, encourage, and even call us out when we need it. They teach us by their example, comfort us with their embraces, and strengthen us through their faith. They remind us we matter.

There have been many such women throughout my life.

• Grandmas and Auntie Jo spoiling me and reminding me I’m special
• Family friends and babysitting families, when I was young, watching and learning from their mothering
• Seminary teachers and youth leaders, I admired as a teen
• Friends who reached out and stuck around, in young motherhood, even though I barely had time or energy for a phone conversation (before texting existed)
• Counselors who care, beyond the job, who hear me, teach me, and help me forgive and love myself
• Daughters, any age, who are friends, confidants, and great snuggle buddies
• Friends, young or old, with children or without children, married or single, I’ve met and gathered through life’s changes and challenges, who offer their shoulders to cry on and their hearts to hold me
• Sisters, sweet sisters, who see the best in me, stick by me, and believe in me no matter what

It’s humbling to consider all the women who’ve influenced and blessed me, and who continue to be a strength to me as I walk through the rest of my life without my own mother by my side. I wish I could name every single one of them, many who are still here and still fill my heart with love, but I would inevitably leave someone out, so I won’t name names, but I pray they know who they are. I’m grateful. I feel loved. Thank you.

My last contemplation on this Mother’s Day is the blessing of knowing that I have a Heavenly Mother. I think of Her often. I imagine Her to be perfected in all that I, as a mother, aspire to. I’m sure she is the most tender, gentle, wise, compassionate, loving, patient, nurturing, strong, capable, brave, faithful, and hopeful woman we could imagine. Like my own earthly mother, I’m sure She watches over me and believes in me. It’s sweet to think on these things on this Mother’s Day.

“In the heav’ns are parents single?

No, the thought makes reason stare!

Truth is reason; truth eternal

Tells me I’ve a mother there.”

Eliza R. Snow

Happy Mother’s Day to all women, and especially my incredible village. I love you.

Visit Hilary Weeks’ website here to hear a beautiful song, “Mama You Matter.”