Mothers [2 in particular]

There have been many women who have had a positive if not powerful influence in my life but on this Mothers Day I’d like to honor 2 of them: my mother Sue C. Smith, and my wife of 10+ years Sara (formerly Tischmacher).

My mother comes from a line of strong, Mormon pioneer women who were known for their character and faith. To her I am indebted for her never-ending love and encouragement that to this day challenge me to try and be a better person, a better man, a better husband. I also credit her with instilling within me (and my 2 brothers and sister) very early in our lives a knowledge of who God is and our relationship to him and each other, including a faith that I lean on heavily to this day. She also taught us through word and example the importance of kindness and love for not just others but all of God’s creations, and, along with my Father has sacrificed much on our behalf. It has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated for without such a person watching over me as she does I dare think what I would have become. I am and will be forever grateful to call her Mother.

Eleven years ago I met Sara. I’d like to say the rest is history, but our history hasn’t yet been fully written. What obviously caught my eye was her striking beauty. What attracted me to her more was her character, strength and sense of humor, things that don’t often go together with such beauty in our modern world generally speaking, or at least in my experience. Many of you might know of them to some degree or know of her talent as a photographer, but in the brief time we have spent together I have come to witness an unselfishness and passion for all things good that I have rarely seen before. While we yet do not have children of our own I have seen her a mother and friend to many, often times at the expense of herself and her own interests or pursuits, albeit she would never say as much. Without her love, patience, endurance and righteous desires that continue to challenge me to be a better man, husband and some day father I dare think what I would yet become. I am and will forever grateful to call her my wife, my friend.

To both of these women I thank and honor you and those like you for your love, patience, caring nature and righteous examples. I love you both and openly express my gratitude for the influence you are and continue to be in my life.

cs