Mother's Day

Yes, this is Kory and I am actually posting on our family's blog for once. Don't think this will become a frequent thing, though.

In honor of Mother's Day, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts on the wonderful mothers I have in my life. I have had dozens of "mothers" in my life that have molded me into who I am today. From teachers, to leaders, to mothers of my dear friends, many wonderful women have touched my heart and taught me great life lessons and gospel truths. I am truly grateful for all of them. However, I wanted to give a special thanks to a select few of those mothers.


First, my Grandmothers: I am fortunate enough to have two absolutely wonderful Grandmothers who have always been a fantastic example to me of hard work and service. Although we are separated by an entire generation between us, you could still run circles around me when it comes to hard work. I try everyday to follow your example. I know of few others who have devoted so much of their time to the service of our Heavenly Father's children like you have. Thank you Grandma Dopp and Grandma Fullmer. I love you.




Next is my own mother. Not enough words can express the love I have for you and the gratitude I have for all you have done/taught/sacrificed for me and for all of the sleepless nights you have had in my behalf worried about my safety: be that physical, spiritual. I am grateful for your strength, for your compassion, and for your love. There is not a doubt in my mind that the Lord knows me and my needs, so he gave you to teach me. You have always said that motherhood is not fair, because if you do it right they grow up and leave you. Your last will soon be moving out of the house but you need to know, mom, that you did do it right. Do not ever doubt that for a second. So to you, mom: Thank you and I love you.

The next is to my mother-in-law: I want to include you and thank you for doing such a wonderful job in raising my wonderful wife. I am so grateful that she is the woman that she is, and I know a large part of that is because of you. Thank you for all of your time and energy you put into making sure Shay was well cared for and that she was taught correct principles. To you, thank you and I love you.






This leads me to my beautiful wife, the mother of my child and those to come. Again, words cannot describe how grateful I am for you and the blessing you are in my life. I love to watch you in your mothering role, as I know that our children have such great potential simply because they have you to teach them. Your faith and strength in the gospel reminds me of the sons of Helaman. I know I will not have to worry about our children "because their mother's knew it". To you, my dear wife, thank you and I love you.





Last, I wanted to give a little "shout out" to my sisters. Jennifer, you are such a wonderful example of motherhood. You are so creative and focused on what is best for your children. Your children are smart, spiritual, and healthy because of your love and diligence in teaching them the right way. I applaud you and love you. Hallie: while you have not technically "raised" any children, no one can refute the fact that you have demonstrated a mother's ultimate love for her child; choosing what is best for them regardless of the sacrifice and the amount of pain and anguish that might come from that. There is no doubt in my mind that when the Lord sees that it is your time to raise one of his precious children, you will be a prime example of how to do it with love. Thank you and I love you. Now Shelby: of course you are not a mother yet, but are preparing to one day become one. I'm still hoping that this "one day" is a long ways down the road. Not because you are not capable, but because you are my sweet youngest sister and I would like you to stay that way for a while. I am proud of the things that you have learned and the things you will yet learn. You have great examples all around you of great mothers and as long as you follow their examples I know you will also be a fantastic mother. Thank you and I love you.

There are many more that I have not mentioned here that have still touched my heart deeply. I apologize I do not have the time to mention everyone individually. To all the mothers in my life: I will try to do what I can to make sure your mothering was not wasted and I live my life in a way that honors your work. Thank you and I love you.