I am thankful to be a mother

I've felt for many years that my mission in life is being a mother. I am a mother to my seven biological children who are now grown (ages 21-33 at this moment), and to our four young children with Down syndrome (currently ages 3-11).

Will I ever be finished having children? No. I am--happily--what some term "an eternal mother". Babies and little ones will always be a part of my life in some way, including grandchildren.

Who do I love best? I love each of them, they are each so dear to my heart, whether born of my body or adopted, they are all my beloved children. I believe it is that way with our Father in Heaven; He loves each of us.

Why am I posting this? Because I feel the need to. One never knows exactly what the future holds. I want you to know of my love. I want my children to feel my embrace: even though I may not be near you or be able to give you a hug in person; many of you are now grown and live far away and I don't see you as often as I wish I could. The swellings of my heart are intense.

What changes will come about in our family in the future? I don't know. To my children: I will always be your mother. I love you no matter what! 

Will I be mother to additional children in the future? I don't know. But those of you who know me, know that I'm pretty tenacious. I see the suffering of little children who are waiting for mothers and fathers... and once our eyes are opened, we are responsible to act. I don't like to put limits on what God can ask of me. He is the great "mission president", the Father of all, the one who knows what is best. I want what He wants for my life. For our lives.

I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that He loves us, atoned for us and overcame the world. This gives me strength and hope! Three sentences there, but they speak volumes for how I view life. The Savior taught us to love one another. He said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." And He said, "For inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."

I have a birthday coming in a couple of weeks. I haven't paid much attention to my chronological age because my life is different than most in my peer group and age doesn't figure. I recently did the math. It turns out I thought I was a year older than I really was all of this past year, so now I get to be that age all over again! I get another year, what a miracle! ;o)

Love and blessing to you all!
Dolores