I thought of how much I was missing my children, grandchildren and my mother and then realized I was not the only one hurting today. There are 2200 young men and women here away from their mothers as well. Many of them wished me a happy day and so I need to go forward and count my blessings.
It is an incredible experience that cannot really be explained unless you are here to be a part of it. We have sung so many wonderful songs and the voices of these young men in unison is awe inspiring. The spirit of goodness and a willingness to serve, and knowing that what we are doing is hard, is tangible. But sitting with these young “stripling warriors,” is a faith promoting experience that I will never forget. I just imagine when Jonathan was here and know that what he did required great faith. How can I do less?
This is the picture that all of the children made for my gift. I absolutely love it. Each family spelled out a letter of love and then Jerianne put it all together. It is a treasure. But do you know what is the greatest treasure of all? Each one of my children is happily married, they are part of a loving family unit, we have hope for an eternal joy. We have not always been this complete. So many struggles in these last few years, but here we are at last. The JARDINE’S working together, loving each other and being hopeful and sure in our journey forward, TOGETHER! And that is why I go forward, through another particularly hard journey for me. Leaving my family is the hardest thing for me to deal with, but my hope, my strength, my knowledge sustains me, that I am a servant of my Father in Heaven, and I am here for a reason, above and beyond being grateful for our miracles. I do have a sure knowledge of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and if I share that gift with but one person, if will be enough.
And so I also pay tribute to the mother in my life. Her goodness, her faith, her love of so many people, her beauty inside and out, her courage through life’s many trials is sustaining me today and always. I hope to be more like her. I am grateful, so grateful for a young girl who chose to be my hero. I love you Mom…………
You know what really got to me? First, you can see the homesickness on some of those young men's faces in the photo at the top. Second, what a beautiful tribute to your mom.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
We were going to come and see you off at the airport but but I am in the airport headed to St. Paul. You have a good time in Nauvoo and make me a horse shoe ring. I lost the other 30 I had from previous trips. Tell Richard not to worry about a brick I still have the other one. I know you guys are going to have a great time once you get settled in. It takes a while but it will become second nature to you soon.
ReplyDeleteLove MDACBJTJLNBB and however many more will be here in 18 months.
As i sit her with tears running down my face, I want you to know, that I am the one that was so blessed by being your mother. You are ever so much more than I could ever be. I love you!!
ReplyDeleteDear Verlinda, I am so proud of you. As tears are falling, I can see your strength and your testimony and your endurance in spite of all. You are an inspiration to me. Love you, Jenny
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