Beauty

As you all may know I have had a hard time grieving for our mother. Her physical condition was such that when she passed away I had a great sense of relief. Mother no longer had the restrictions of her physical ailments. She was free from earthly sorrows and pain. Every now and again, I am given wonderful insights that have helped me appreciate our mother in an everlasting appreciation for the things she did. At the General Relief Society meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held on September 27, 2008, I was privileged to listen to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He talked a lot about how women often times put themselves down, apologize for things not being perfect, etc. Later, in his talk, he instructed us to start small and make everything around beautiful. By working to make things beautiful inside of us and all around us, we will better be able to feel our Savior's love and Spirit. It is a grand process! The next day as I reflected on his marvelous talk, I thought about Mom. She was very creative in ways I never thought of. Fruitcake came to mind. I remember Mom saving out the perfect walnut halves to decorate the top of the fruitcakes along with gumdrops cut to look like flowers. Small and simple things to please the eye. Mom and Dad's garden was always arranged so it was pleasing to the eye as well. Mom had a talent of tying bows and ribbons to look absolutely beautiful. I know these are simple things. But my bet is that you probably noticed others things that Mother did to make things beautiful in your life. I hope you will share them.
I love our Mother and feel more grateful each day because she was part of my life for 51 years.
I love each of you and am grateful that you are part of my life still. Julie