By Tina Scott
Our lives are filled with people who affect us one way or another. In today’s world we can count ourselves lucky if we have the type of mom who serves as both mentor and hero.

My mother was one such person, and I learned many things from her. She had tenacity and an ‘I can do it’ attitude. I learned by her example not to give up when things get hard, and that I truly can do anything I set my mind to. I learned from Mom that education is important, and that living in this country is a sacred privilege. Her brothers all served in WWII, and Mom never sang the National Anthem without a tear in her eye.

Mom constantly redefined the term housewife. Being a strong and proud woman, she served at home not because she had no other options, but out of genuine love. Mom turned housewife into a title of honor. She did it on purpose and with determination. Even when living in an old farmhouse with cardboard walls, Mom did her best to raise her six children well and to ensure we had balanced meals to eat.

It took her a while to get the hang of it, but at the age of 50, Mom decided to learn how to drive a car. Being short, she had to use a cushion in order to see over the dash, but Mom needed to drive in order to fulfill her calling as Relief Society President.

Five years later, Mom went back to school and earned her nursing degree. I remember her struggling with math and science. “I just don’t get it,” she moaned. I looked at her paper and saw a jumble of numbers and symbols. Mom got no help with either subject at home, but she persevered. Nursing was her natural calling.

At home, Mom sewed curtains for the windows, made us clothes, baked bread, and continually refined her cooking skills by trying new recipes. She kept our house clean, and free of dust. We played games as a family, and it was Mom who taught me how to make a newspaper kite. Some evenings, Mom made taffy and then told us stories of her youth while we pulled each piece to creamy goodness. I felt important because she took time for me. If I said, “Hey, Mom, I need to go for a walk,” she got up and headed out the door with me, even after a long and tiring day.

In her 60’s, Mom decided to learn a new language. She worked in the temple and wanted to help the women patrons who spoke Spanish. Mom took private lessons until she finally achieve her goal.
Walking up and down the neighborhood on a weekly basis, Mom visited, took meals, and gave words of comfort. I grew up thinking that all neighbors took food and treats to each other, and I’ve tried to carry on her tradition of neighborliness.

Being my mother’s daughter made me famous by association. Everyone who knew her, loved her, and because of that, they treated me special. She was beautiful inside and out.

Mom never accomplished anything considered outstanding by the world. She never earned a million dollars or had her own television show. Mom never gained any media attention or miraculously saved another life; but she did save mine—one kind deed, one thoughtful word at a time.

Mother has been gone for years now, but I feel that she’s still with me. Her wisdom is still locked in my heart. When I open it and remember, I become a better person. I seldom think of her without remembering the scripture in Proverbs 31:10, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Mom continues to be my exemplar and my guide. Memories of her valiant life provide hope and guidance for my own.

Imagine my joy when, occasionally, someone comes to me and says, “You remind me of your mother.”