Mother

In Honor of my beautiful daughter.... Shaniel

Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.

                                                                                                                           -David O. McKay

Mother's Day is coming up and I've been thinking about my beautiful, sweet Shaniel and the wonderful mother she was to her children. Her life was taken... her life far too short. She had so much more to live for. Her journey as a mother.... so young and just beginning. Her dear sweet children will now have only the memories of those few short years they had with her on earth. Oh... my heart. As bad as it hurts, with the sorrow also comes joy... joy in knowing that she loved her darlings with all her heart. As a mother, she did all those things that will have a lasting influence for good in the lives of her children. She cared for them. She nurtured them. She played with them. She cried with them. She taught them correct principles. She encouraged them. She gave them opportunities to develop their talents. She hugged them. She showered them with kisses. She had fun! Her positive influence and unconditional love will continue to be felt for eternity. Her image of faith, love, hope and charity will be in her childrens' countenances all the days of their lives. As well as mine, her sisters, her brother, her dad, and all those whose lives she touched. We have a lot to live up to. My darling, sweet Shaniel.

Shaniel... my daughter, my friend. A wonderful mother. Miss you sweetheart. Love you forever.