“may each of us treasure this truth: one cannot forget mother and remember God. one cannot remember mother and forget God. why? because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one.”–thomas s. monson

maybe 5 or 6 years ago (can’t actually remember how long ago it was), my mom came to me with this picture.
it was from a greg olsen calendar.
this picture is entitled “from denim to lace.”
i can’t remember why she gave this to me, or what she said when she did.
all i know is that it’s been hanging in my room ever since.
we’ve moved multiple times since then, but i make it a point to always have this picture.
i treasure it.
it’s not even framed. it’s cut out of a calendar.
the edges are getting worn and it’s a tad tattered.
i remember a couple years ago, i told my mom how special and important this picture was to me, and she told me she could get me a new one.
i refused.
i honestly can’t explain why this picture means so much to me.
except that it reminds me of my mom.
when i look at it, i feel like i can get a sense of how she feels about me.
ok i don’t know if that makes sense.
but every time i look at it, i think of her and her love for me.
throughout the years, we’ve had our disagreements and hard times.
we haven’t always gotten along, but i always knew she loved me.
experiencing puerto rico with her and dad were the best 2 years of my life.
she and i became thuper duper close.
we pretty much did everything together.
my first year of college was a little rough without my mom right there beside me.
but i made it through alright.
and now she’s in africa.
it’s been hard at times.
hard because i can’t exactly call her up whenever i need her (that 8 hour time difference thing makes it a tad difficult)
and i can’t really expect to see her anytime soon.
but you know? i’m ok with it.
because i would much rather she be where she is.
she’s doing so much good, changing so many people’s lives.
she’s already helped shape me into the person i am today...
why not share her with others?
besides, i know how much she loves me.
regardless of the fact that i’m her favorite child. (which we all know, without a doubt, is completely true... :) )
here’s the thing...no matter what anyone says, i am so proud to have her as my mother.
i love you mamasita :)