To Mothers I Love

While sorting through some papers today I found this in an email that was forwarded to me from Grandma K (who received it from Amy via Aunt Marilyn)...I usually hate forwarded emails, but this one heartfelt and worth passing along. I love you all and appreciate the efforts you make to raise my wonderful grandchildren and great-granddaughter...I know how tough it can be at times to remember that the effort is worth it, but oh. the joy that will come in those fleeting moments or wonderful hours as your child progresses from "grace to grace".
"Before I was a Mom-
I slept as late as I wanted and
never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom-
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom-
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom-
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or
give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got
gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom-
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop
the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so
much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I
would love being a Mom.
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't
know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know
that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that someone
so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom-
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to
make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love,
the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't
know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

And before I was a Grandma-
I didn't know that all those feelings more than doubled
when you see that little bundle being held by "your" baby."


Thanks to all the Moms (and Dads) you have become and thanks especially for letting me experience all that "mom-ness" all over again...that must be what heaven (and hell) is all about. Remember the atonement covers all your mistakes and in the eternities, only all the joy remains.