I can't believe it's been two years since my sweet mother left this world and her earthly cares to return to our Heavenly Father. In a lot of ways time has gone by quickly, but when I think about how long it may be before I see her again, my heart hurts so much! I remember mom saying how much she missed her parents and I never doubted her, I just had no idea the longing that was attached to that feeling.

My mother's life was her family. She was the perfect housekeeper, mother, example of Christ-like living, truly everything we need to try to be. I have no doubt of where she is - I just wonder what occupies her "time." I can imagine her planting flowers, beautifying and improving her surroundings. My mother really had a knack for knowing what a house needed to make it a home. Her and dad worked so hard in their yard. They both enjoyed it so much. I inherited that joy (planting flowers) from her and find a lot of satisfaction working in my flower beds.

I remember that first month or so after she passed away. I bought some flowers that my mother always planted in her gardens (daisies, lupine, flowering almond) and planted them in mine! It made me feel closer to her somehow. I wish I could just find the same incentive to keep house the way she did!! I imagine her looking down from heaven thinking - "Oh LeeAnn, let me help you organize a little!"

Oh how I miss my mom!! We butted heads as I was growing up, but I can truly say that as I learned to appreciate her goodness and recognize all of the sacrifice she made on behalf of her family, I grew to love and appreciate her like I never had as a child/youth. My mother was one of my best friends and the strongest of cheerleaders. I love her. I delight in knowing that I will see her again - it gives me such solace. Where would we be without the knowledge this gospel gives to us of eternity?