You met my dad in an LDS singles ward where he was your FHE leader. He was fresh off the mission and you were a returned missionary from Australia + already graduated college teaching elementary school. You couldn't believe he was at first interested in you. I’d give all the money in my account for a chance to witness the moment you met.
You’ve been married for awhile now, Mom. Every time I'm over to visit I see you and dad together and so happy. You two truly are best friends. Dad is always looking over at me making comments like; "Isn't she gorgeous?" And the ever so awkward, "Isn't your mom HOT!?!" But all kidding aside I see the way he looks at you, and that's why I believed in happily ever afters.
You and dad gave me two brothers and two sisters, five kids altogether. It was just the seven of us. Nothing else mattered. We were a team, even when—especially when—things were hard. It's no lie that us Devey kids have personalities, we all happen to lean on the outgoing side, making raising us as teenagers hard work. You were amazing Mom. I look back and only remember your kindness, the way you always had time to listen, the home cooked dinners, going to church together, the FHE's, family movie nights, and awesome family vacations.
How did you do it Mom!? You are a super hero. I've never heard you complain about your role as a Mother, even though it is the hardest most demanding on call thing in the world. You are never too tired to love me, Mom. And you are never too afraid to believe in me. You were excited for me when I'd try out for the lead parts in plays, auditioned for a college dance company with no formal training, decided at 19 to go on a study abroad to London, England, go live abroad in China. You were always my best friend, biggest fan, and kindest supporter.
Now I'm a Mom. You're still always there helping your three daughters transition into Motherhood. I was such a young girl until I had my daughter, having a baby made me a mom. Everything I know about being a mom comes from you. Mom's are selfless, always there for you as their child, they don't judge you, they don't pick sides, they delight in your happiness, and cry for your pain. That’s why I’m out there having babies of my own + taking risks, Mom. Because you taught me that if I feel like I'm failing, so what? I can come home to you and you will look at me and your eyes will always say: You are my dream come true. Who cares what else you are? Who cares?
Not me.
And here is the moral of your story: You taught us that what matters is love, and that love is relentlessly showing up for your family. Being there in person, or over the phone. You still hold family dinners for us and even plan big vacations for all of us to go on together. Your love is never ending. We all love you fiercely. Happy mothers day Mom!
