She Made Us Her Life

by Wendy Z. Anderson

Whenever I tell anyone that I am 1 of 11 children, their reply is always something like, “Your mother must be a saint!” 

Yes in deed! 

My mom did not just raise us, she made us her life. 

My mom is bright, energetic, and fearless. She chose to be a stay at home mother and used that time to teach us many things. Often when I have the opportunity to teach someone something I almost always realize that I learned that thing from her. 

I have many memories of her running the house, caring for me when sick, catching snakes for fun, playing basketball, and just being “happy go lucky.” However, it was clear that she considered the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be the most important thing she could teach us. Her excitement about gospel principles and the example that she set was contagious. 

She taught us through the life that she led that those who are prepared for whatever may come, have no need to fear. She has prepared herself and her family both physically and spiritually. 

Due to her diligence and faith (along with my Dad), she was recently blessed to have all 11 of her children together in the temple as the youngest was there for the first time. She considered this a “pay day!” 

She is now the loving grandmother to 41 grandchildren. I am so grateful for the example that she set for me of the sacrifice and joy of being a faithful wife and mother.

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