Mother's Day Favor

Dear Hannah,

I have an actual letter coming behind this one but I wanted to make sure you got this first.  I need you to write a tribute to mom that I can have one of your brothers read from the pulpit on Mother's Day.  I need to have it before May 12.

Thanks!

Love,

Dad

Hi Dad! I did get it but my P day was crazy so I didnt have a chance to write it... i just got permission from my mission president last night and so I wrote this up. Hopefully this is about the right length.... Hello brothers and sisters and Happy Mothers day from Iloilo Philippines! I'm honored to adress the mothers of our ward and specifically my dearest mom, Melissa Larson. We do not doubt our mothers knew it. While teaching a lesson recentley to a member family I asked the 11 year old daughter, "what is one thing you will never forget that your mother taught you?" If I'm being completely honest I don't fully remeber her answer but I do remember the many answers that came flooding into my brain. I remebered years of "sit up straight", "practice the piano for 30 minutes", "put your dishes in the sink" and "Hannah, where is your coat!". I also remebered far more impactful words such as "never be afraid to be the smartest in the room", "remember who you are and what you stand for" and a tender "you got this" about 9 months ago as I walked towards securtiy in the SLC airport. But for me, far more important than anything my mother said is what I saw my mother do. It was the quick prayers in the car each morning on the way to school. The consistant effort to have come follow me, even after a long and sometimes frusterating day of work. Its the times I saw my mom kneeling by her bedside, sometimes more than half asleep, trying her best to end her day with a prayer. I do not doubt my mother knew it. Both of my parents have always been examples to me of unshakable faith. Looking back I can see the way they tirelessly and patiently nurtured my and my brother's testimonies. My mother especially was relentless in her efforts to teach us the gospel. Now, as a missionary, I have grown a deeper appreciation for the impact my mother has had and will contiue to have on my life. My mom is kind, loving, smart, hilarious and endlessly compassionate. Many of my friends have told me they feel like she is their mom and would maybe rather just hang out with her sometimes. Which is valid because my mom is also my best friend. All those around my mom feel loved and as we say at my house "she could make friends with dirt." To all mothers today, you may not think your child is listening and they probably aren't always, but they are always watching and learning. You are having an impact. Mom you taught me more than I can evee possibly fit into a single conclusive list but here are a just a fraction of the things you have taught me.... You taught me to appreciate the beauty in small moments and things. You taught me that there is value in imperfection. You taught me dilligence brings results. You taught no kind deed is wasted and to never return an empty plate. You taught me to develop my talents and embrace the unique qualities of my personality. You taught me I can become anything I put my mind to. You taught me to listen to the words of living prophets and to cherish the blessings of the temple. You taught me that God hears our prayers, even the small ones. But most importantly you taught me that the Book of Mormon is true, God has a plan for me and that my mother loves me. In Alma 56:48 the strippling warriors famously recited "we do not doubt our mothers knew it" I add my claim to theirs "I do not doubt my mother knows it". Thank you mom for your years of patient parenting, for each time your dried my tears and for being the voice in my head reminding me to say my prayers. Happy mothers day. I love you mom. I miss you everyday but I know you're cheering me on and I'll see you soon. Thank you to the mothers of EMC 16th ward for being examples of the belivers. Your example is inexplicably valuable. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen. Love you lots dad! Hopefully this is good. - sister larson