Dear Mom:
I just wanted to save this letter for the last. It has been a real journey, writing each of these letters for each family member, reflecting on everyone’s impact on my life. Everyone in this wonderful family has been such an influence on me, but none can compare with the good given by a mother. You have borne me, taught me, fed me, cheered me on, and testified of truth to me. I know of no greater calling than that of a mother. You have sacrificed so much for our family, especially for your children. It may have been difficult, but look at the results. You have six beautiful children, boys who have served missions, girls who have married worthy Priesthood holders. I feel like the end cap of this bottle of joy. All I need to do after my mission is marry in the temple for time and all eternity and then the masterpiece is complete. Just think: our entire family is sealed together. I have met so many people, missionaries included, whose families are not together. Missing parents, wayward children. Is there such a thing as a whole family? Ours is. What a blessing! God has closely watched over this family. Even when trials have come, our family has come out conquerer. I just hope that I can live up to such a legacy. Our family is a miracle—and you are the center of this family, with Dad. You have taught us, you have raised us up in the Gospel. Because of that, you have saved us. We have all the tools necessary to return to our Heavenly Father. Thank you so much.Now, Mom, I am almost coming home and though it is exciting to return, I am still sad. I love these people. I love them so much. Everyone says that about the people they served on their mission, but I didn’t understand it until now. This love is overwhelming. It consumes my entire being. The joy I feel when someone opens their heart to the Gospel. The sadness of one closing that door to the truth. These emotions at times are too much for me. I can’t tell you how many times I have wept for my fellow brothers and sisters in Russia. I love the members here. How I wish you could meet them and feel of their love. I have never in my entire mission longed for home because I found it here. These people, these members are my home. They have sacrificed so much for the gospel, even leaving family behind for the gospel’s sake. Maybe you did not have to leave family, but what you have sacrificed mom, for the gospel. Just as precious as the gospel, you gave me love. I am just barely understanding the love Heavenly Father has for His children, but you understand it, because you show it. You give that love. There has never been a time in my life where I doubted you loved me. During the darkest days, I would remember that you love me and that you were praying for me. In the darkest despair, the light of your love shone brightly. Heavenly Father loves us all so much, he sent His Son to die for us. What love it would take to send a son to suffer in such a way. What did it feel like sending your son off to a foreign land for two years? I bet it was not easy, but you loved me and you loved your Heavenly Father to send me here so I could share His love with His children here in Russia. Thank you! I know God loves us. I know Jesus Christ loves us so much. He gave up His life so that we could return to Him and love Him for eternity. I know our family is eternal, and our love for each other is eternal. That is what you are, mom. You are любовь (loo-bow-v) love.
Love, Your Son,
Elder Hoggan
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