Today is my mother, Terri Lynne Hubbard Shepard's birthday. Happy happy birthday! I have been thinking about my mom a lot this whole week and especially yesterday and today. I thought that for her birthday, I would write her a letter saying some things that I love about her. So, this is for you Mom!
My mother must have been born on a happy day. Just look at this baby’s face! (Sorry about the underlining, blogger won't let me fix it...)
She was the cutest little girl, born to loving parents, Claude and Bonnie, and was followed by a sister, Kellie.
My mother is obedient. My grandpa often tells us that my mom would always do what was asked of her, and that all it took when she was being naughty was for him to give her the eye. (That's when my grandpa raises his left eyebrow and lowers his right one. - A trait I have inherited from him :)
My grandpa also says that my mom had a messy room when she was growing up. (I still don't know how messy it could have been because when I lived with my grandparents, my grandpa would always tease me about dropping crumbs whenever I ate, and I was as clean as could be! I have never met a cleaner man than my grandpa). But I love that my mom and I have similarities, for I also had a messy room growing up, much to her dismay I am sure.
My mom has beautiful thick brown curly hair which she passed on to her children. (I still wonder why I got jipped on the curly part, but I still appreciate the good straight hair I got)
My mother is a missionary. She served valiantly in Ventura, California for an 18month full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She rode a bicycle all over the place while wearing a skirt! She learned how to work with all sorts of companions, and she taught the gospel to all she saw.
My mom is great at being a missionary through example. She shows her love to all, and she practices Christlike attributes.
My mother loves the temple. She chose to marry her true love in the temple, not for only time, but for all eternity. She set the example for me. She taught me to set my sights as high as I could, and not to settle for less.
My mother is a covenant keeper. She is faithful and supportive to my dad, and to the Lord.
My mom has such a happy smile, from ear to ear. It is contagious! (I hope I've inherited her smile, and that I use it as much as she does.) She also has the jolliest laugh! She sometimes laughs so hard that she shakes all over! I love when she laughs.
My mother is an excellent musician. She diligently practiced for many years to master the piano and the flute, and she is also a great singer. She taught piano and flute for many years. She even tried to teach all of her kids to play (not with as much success as she would have hoped), but she did instill in us a love for music, and required us all to play an instrument. She helped me and encouraged me to practice playing the cello, and learn to sing.
I was the obstinate 8 year old who wouldn't practice the piano, and didn't know what a good thing I had when I had it (a live in piano teacher). I remember my childhood and think of my happiest memories. Some of my happiest memories involve my mother at the piano playing primary songs, hymns, and Christmas Carols as we sang along. My mom can play anything on the piano. My very favorite song she plays is "Claire de Lune," by Debussy. She plays it better than anyone I've ever heard, and I could just listen to her play it over and over and never get tired of it. One time, when I was in college, thousands of miles away, I heard someone play "Claire de Lune," and I just cried, I missed my mom so much. Years later, I realize how much I want to give to my future children what she gave to me. My mother has inspired me to learn to play the piano even as an adult, and now, whenever I am able to visit her, I beg for a piano lesson. Although I now live far away, she is still encouraging me, and is proud of me. Sometimes I feel like the 8 year old again when I master a song, and I want to perform it for my mother, I am glad she still cares to listen, and praise my efforts.
(My mom probably fell in love with my dad the first time he sang to her and played his guitar :) My mom, for pretty much my whole life, has played the organ in church, or the piano, and has been the choir director. She serves where she is needed, not just where she wants to. She has blessed countless lives by sharing her talents which are many and great. My mom puts on the best Christmas Cantatas a ward has ever seen. I love how my mom loves Christmas. She could listen to Christmas music any time of the year! She passed that on to me. She is full of Christmas cheer.
My mom has the softest hands, perfect for holding,
and strong for lifting up my hands when they hang down. (P.S. that is me above and below, with my loving parents)
My mom is always taking care of people. She helps others, and is so selfless. She is a Relief Society woman, who knows how to care for others and minister to their relief, just as Christ would do.
My mom is so fun! She isn't too proud to be goofy and have a great time with her kids.
My mom (and dad) played with us in the snow, what a great thing for a parent to do!
I love to remember my mom teaching me how to take care of a home. I can even think back to the time when she let me wash all the spoons in the sink with the bubbly dish water when I was a little girl. I love to think back to the times when we had family home evening. My mom would let us help with the treat. My parents would even dress themselves and us up as Book of Mormon and Bible people, in towels and neck-ties. They taught us the gospel and made it fun.
My mom is crafty! She has volunteered to many years to be the African Camp Craft Lady. But her craft skills didn't begin there. I loved the table cloth she made into a house for us kids. She cut holes in the flaps so we could stick our heads through, and she even sewed clothes on the outside so we could pretend. It was so much fun! She made us Indian Princess birthday parties, Snow White Cakes and she sewed Halloween costumes galore. One of the best Christmas presents I've ever received was a homemade doll house that my mom made for me and my sister Hannah for Christmas when money was so tight. We snuck out in the middle of the night to look under the tree (I know, we were so naughty), and we thought those doll houses were the best things we'd ever seen!
My mother loves children. She has taught me that the best job ever is to be a mother. It is not an easy thing, but she does it out of love. Even after having 5 biological children, she felt in her heart to take in two more children to foster and adopt. Trey and Ashley were sealed as part of our family 12 years ago. She has sacrificed so much to love and teach and care for us (as has my wonderful father) and I am grateful that she has put her family first.
I am so glad that my mother could be there with me in the Chicago Temple when I received my own endowment. She helped me and was an example for me. She made it so special for me.
My mom has been a wonderful support to my Grandma, who has been a faithful member of the church all her life. My mom has also been a support to my Grandpa, who was not a member until his 76th birthday. Above is the picture of all of them on Grandpa's baptism day.
After 52 years of waiting, praying, and hoping, here they are after being sealed as a forever family in the Manti Temple. I am grateful my mom is a worthy temple recommend holder, who uses such a gift, and who is thankful for her blessings.
My mother is a scholar. She is one of the smartest people I know. She can understand so much, and she is a wonderful teacher! She loves to teach, and she could teach anyone, anywhere. She has worked so hard over the years to finish her college degree, even while being an excellent wife and the mother of 7 children. I am proud of her.
My Mom was there with me on my wedding day in the temple. When she helped me get into my wedding dress, she said I was the most beautiful bride she had ever seen. My mother taught me to be virtuous, she taught me to get married in the temple, and to work every day of my life toward a celestial marriage.
My mom has been there for my Dad, and has worked with him, side by side, through such great trials. I know she loves him, and I am grateful to know that. They are still wading through great adversity, but haven't given up, and I know they won't. I am thankful for such examples of patience and love.
My mother has influenced so many throughout her wonderful life and will continue to do so.
Thank you Mom, for all you have done, and all you do for me. I love you!
2 comments:
That was the sweetest post ever. Happy Birthday Sister Shepard!
BTW It made me tear up over and over!
That was one of the sweetest posts I've ever read. I wish we lived closer, I feel like I have so much I need to learn from you Emily. This applies to what I've seen from many of your blog posts. Thanks for your good example.
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