"Today Was Different"
by: Brittni Brewer
Dear self,
People have changed. Now, let me explain. I guess I just feel like people, and this most definitely includes me, have got their priorities a bit mixed up. Everyone is in a hurry, everyone is focused on themselves 100% of the time, and everyone seems to forget about the fact that everyone needs help and that we are all human beings, made up of the same kind of stuff. I guess sometimes I feel alone and I feel like no one takes any time to listen anymore or to serve. Maybe I am being selfish. Maybe I’m not.
The real reason that I bring this up is because today was a bit different than most days. I have been living with some extended family here in Provo up by the LDS Temple for a few months, and I think that they really love me. Actually, I think that I know it now. Everyone in the family is wonderful to me. I have often found myself wishing that I had been born into a family more like theirs. But that is off topic. Anyway, what I am getting at are my experiences with the mom of the household, Jenise Zundel. I haven’t been able to quite connect with her, like the real deep kind of connection, yet. But today changed my perspective, and this is what I mostly want to talk about.
Some days are just awful: “I feel forgotten, and upset, and lonely, and and and.” I think you know what days I am talking about. Anyway, it is kind of a blur now, but all I remember is that Jenise was there for me today. She is really good at stopping whatever she is doing and sitting down and talking with you. I have witnessed this on several occasions when various unexpected visitors would just drop by her house and she would definitely be in the middle of something, and would stop right then and go into the front room to see how they were doing and if they needed anything. I was privileged to be the recipient of such a great act of charity this day, when all hope seemed to be drained from me. I definitely don’t remember what we talked about, but what I do remember were her questions, and her eye contact, and the love that I could feel hitting my body like a semi.
Now that I am on the topic of Jenise, I may as well keep going. It is nice to reflect on the goodness that others bring into your life because I think it helps you to see your own potential and learn to be a better person yourself. Another thing that I have noticed is that her kids love her. They really do. It would be so odd to me when I would see her children stay home to hang out rather than hang out with friends around town. I remember when I was a teen and how I was always dying to get out of the house. Even all of my friends I grew up with just loved to be out of the house, anything to get out really. And here I was, a witness to something that was so foreign to me, yet so so good. I just think it is a fantastic thing when a mother can create that sense of friendship and trust that is so rare between a parent and child. Jenise does this by being the discipliner when necessary, but always, always following with limitless love afterwards. When she doesn’t need to fulfill that ‘motherly’ role, she is just a light-filled friend who cares deeply about her children. And through the years they have gotten the message and trusted it and relied on it. I think that is why her children are such good children too.
The last thing that I will mention about this angel that has been placed in my life is how much she reminds me of Jesus Christ in a certain aspect. One thing that I have realized more fully is how the Savior just keeps giving and giving and giving. One of my favorite quotes is, “give until it hurts, and then give some more.” The Savior is a pure example of this to me. Jenise reminds me of this beautiful attribute, one of endless service. As a mother with anywhere from 2-5 kids living under her roof at one time, she constantly finds herself serving, preparing, teaching, and administering. When I lived there, I was just amazed at the way she spent her time and how very little of it was devoted to her alone. I guess what I am getting at, is that she inspired me to be more selfless. Here was a woman who was fiercely loyal to her family and put her time, energies, efforts, and resources into it every single day of her life. What a glorious picture she has painted for her family and for silent observers, like me.
I think this is what I am getting at: unity and selflessness are what the world needs. The problem is that most people don’t see life that way. In my dream world, I just want peace and unity and more kindness and thoughtfulness. It was when I lived with the Zundel’s that that dream came a bit closer to reality. What a source of hope they have given me. Jenise has left an imprint upon my mind and heart that is unalterable and unmistakable. It was actually because of their entire family that I decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In the end, I just find myself extremely grateful for the precious example of Jenise. She embodies peace and strength, charity and humility, friendship and a service-oriented heart. I will always think of her as I am striving to be my best self and be more like the Savior.
Until the future,
Me
"A Mother's Example"
by: Thyme Nash
George Washington once said, “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” These words ring true for me each day as I watch my wonderful “shero,” my mother. My mother touches not only my life, but all of the lives of those she interacts with through her hard work, strength, and love.
Throughout my life my mother has stood as a shining example of success through hard work. Though she started from a meager situation, she managed to become a Major in the Air Force and is currently receiving her PhD. Not only has she succeeded in that aspect, but she has also successfully raised me and my three siblings. Her ability to receive a high education, thrive at her occupation, and raise a family is what makes her my “shero.” Education has always been important to me because of her example. Many family members have decided to receive an education past a high school diploma because she has received a Master’s degree. They recognize her success through her hard work and have decided to follow in her steps.
Not only is my mother my “shero” because of her hard work, but also because of her strength. She is a successful woman in a society where it is not common for women to be the bread winners of the family. Most members of the military are male and thus my mother is part of the minority. Though she receives criticism at times for not staying at home she stands strong and proud, ignoring those who disapprove. I have learned to ignore negative societal judgments because of this model of behavior. Others who have interacted with her have also been able to ignore negative judgments after seeing her strong example.
My mother is a prime model of love. She ignores other’s judgments and avoids judging others. She is friends with various kinds of people from various situations. People flock to her because they recognize her love just by looking at her. She doesn’t turn down opportunities to help others and tries her best to reach out to everyone around her.
My mother has always been a light in my life. She benefits all those who she interacts with through her hard work, strength, and love. She is a wonderful woman and I could not ask for a better "shero."
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