MY MOTHER: EILEEN JANE OWEN GIBERSON

+TAKEN FROM MY JOURNAL, OCTOBER 8, 2012+

I've read two more of my mom's journals. It's an obsession. I finished one Sunday night and started another and then stayed up half the night finishing it. After falling asleep I dreamed Amarillo Texas all night. Before going to sleep, though, I went outside on the patio where it was actually feeling a little cool (it is September in AZ after all--the nice weather is coming). I just felt I needed to pray again (I'd already said my nightly prayer) to express my appreciation for my mother. I asked for a few more blessings to be sent her way for being the amazing person she was (is).

It's so interesting to look at her life and our family's life through her eyes. To me as a child in all of it, I just think of how wonderful it was and how wonderful our family was. I know we weren't perfect, but what a fulfilling life--speaking specifically of years in Amarillo since those are the journals I've been reading. (Of course, a childhood in RICHLAND, WASH was idyllic, we all know that!) So here's a perspective shift while reading, where I am reminded that it wasn't an easy life for my mother. Okay, not pioneer-harsh, but not easy in that she was virtually sick most every day with a headache. She had 8 children going every which way and most often with only one car to do it in. She had a constant stream of church work and church meetings to attend to, as did my dad and the children, too. Besides the one-car thing, they had so many car problems. They also had so many appliance issues and breakdowns and the going without. Like how do you go 6 months without a working oven? Three plus years without a dishwasher (okay, that's doable, though highly unpleasant as I recall!) Now I love doing dishes--it's my favorite household chore--what a surprise!

That was the downside to her life, but she had a very rewarding life nonetheless. She wrote so many programs, played so many organ and piano numbers, sung in so many choirs, taught so many lessons, gave so many talks, planned so many parties and events for both church and family. She studied the gospel and nurtured a fervent testimony. She was a pillar of strength and example in the Amarillo and Lubbock stakes. And I haven't even got to the whole getting sick, being bedridden, and the subsequent heart transplant.

Seriously, you just had to know her. You had to be around her to hear her play the piano or give a talk. You had to be in her home for a party or sing-along or dinner or Family Home Evening Theater or for games. You had to receive a letter from her or read a poem she wrote. You had to hear her give a witty comment.

I hope someday you will get the chance. (Heaven won't be soon enough.)