May 6, 2011 - Letters to Momma

[We were out of town for Mother's Day and had asked our neighbors to get our mail for us. When we came home Sunday night I was very anxious knowing there would be a letter from Brad that we had missed before we left. Unfortunately our neighbors weren't home. I was bummed about it. Finally Monday after work I got our usual day's mail and Dani went to get the mail our neighbors had collected. In our Monday mail there was a letter to Brad's dad, Mike, but no one else. Then, Dani came home with a letter to the family. It was great but I was very jealous of that letter to Mike and not one for me! Anyway, once Mike got home he opened it up and there was a note to him that said, "This is for Mom. I don't want her to open too soon but I hope I sent it early enough to get there on time." Then the following letter was enclosed. Well, by that time I was in tears from feeling sorry for myself before I even read the letter! Enjoy!]

Dear Momma,

I love you so much!!! You have already taught me to be a good missionary before I came here. You’ve showed me how to act even when other missionaries don’t realize they’re doing something unchrist-like. And I’m not boasting of myself. Or as it says in Alma 26:12, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God…” I don’t know how I could boast of myself. I have learned love, kindness, sincerity, joy; the list could go on and on, of what you have done for me. But I am most grateful for that last attribute, joy, trying to be joyful or happy all the time. Sometimes it can be tough, after learning the language for 3 hours that day and still struggling, or conflicts with your companion. But that’s where being happy all the time comes into play. I can realize what I’m doing will all be o.k. later and just be happy now, don’t wait to be satisfied with your challenge or obstacle. It makes your day so much better being happy and smiling instead of being sad, disappointed, grumpy and complaining about everything. There is a direct line of health and learning when you’re happy or grumpy. I have seen it in my own district. One elder being grumpy got sick; one being a complainer cannot learn a thing. So that is why I am so grateful to have you as a mom. I would be a whiner and complainer if you weren’t there to teach me. So please, when I bring my children over to your house, will you please teach them that?! I believe it is one of the most crucial attitudes you can have, along with love. I love you Mom, with all the bones in my body, even the broken ones! I will remember you every day, and please don’t worry about me. You know I’m tough, you know I work hard, and you know the Lord will protect and guide me. I’m so grateful to be a Latter-day Saint; it has brought so many blessings to me and the wonderful kids you raised.

Love always,

Your son, Bradford

(This letter he sent home to our Relief Society President to be read in RS on Mother’s Day. Pretty cute!)

My mom is wonderful. She has taught me how to put my clothes in the washer and dryer and how to fold them. She taught me how to make my bed, how to keep my room clean, how to cook and clean the house. But, more importantly, she’s taught me how to love and be kind, how to be friendly to other people and how to serve everyone as much as possible. My mom is wonderful in every way. I would not be the same without her. She is the best and I love her to death.

Elder Walker