"I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good. . Look for the sunlight through the clouds" -- President Gordon B. Hinckley ("The Continuing Pursuit of Truth," Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2-4).
If I could keep you alive forever I would…
As a child and as I’ve grown into a woman, the thought of not having your support and guidance through life - is unthinkable. I think I realized at a very young age of 2, running every night at midnight into your room just to “tell Mommy something”. I always have something to tell ‘Mommy’. So I’ll tell you ’something’ now…
You are someone who I’ve always looked up to, and who I continue to
look up to. When people tell me “You look just like you’re Mother” or “You do that, just like your Mom” it makes me feel SO good. I want to be just like you.
The trait that I value that you always did for me, was instill in me that ANYTHING is possible. You taught me that no matter what, if you want it bad enough - you can do it. You stood up for me at school when I thought there was no way out, you never let anyone take advantage of me. I always felt protected and safe with you. I’ve always known you’d do anything for me.
You taught me how to stand independent as a woman and still be lady like. You taught me that men are just as sensitive as women, so respect them accordingly. I learned that first hand as I observed how you raised all the boys in the family and how you’ve treated Dad. You’ve stood up for yourself but you’ve always been right there to take care of Dad. Dad knows you love him. To see you both learn and grow together teaches me so much about growth & communication in a marriage. The boys in the family are not ashamed to be sensitive and caring and at the same time be tough and strong protectors. You and Dad did a wonderful job. Us girls in the family saw examples of who we wanted to be with - someone like them. We also saw who we wanted to be like - and that’s someone like you Mom.
Do you realize how much you’re loved Mom? All of us kids in the family are so attached to you. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for you to live without your Mom. Because if I am indeed, so much like you - I hope I’m as strong as I’ve observed you to be, living without your Mom for so many years. I never got the chance to meet Grandma here on earth, but I bet you’re a lot like her. I am proud to resemble both her and you. You both help me feel so beautiful. I have yet to carry on the lesson of “If you don’t have any make-up on - always wear at least lipstick before you leave the house!” I must have not caught on to that, and I think the only girl in the family who has is Maren. You’re so good at that Mom, and I think your Mom would be very pleased. I’ll make sure that you go up to Heaven wearing red lipstick. 
How many children can say that they had a Mom who always made
herself up to look beautiful every morning, but can easily be found that very same day covered in dirt from head to toe (still looking beautiful) out in the yard pulling weeds - getting tan without wearing sunscreen? If I learned anything from you Mom in regards to being an “All-Purpose Wife/& Mother” is that you can still make yourself up to look good, but don’t let that prevent you from getting down and dirty in cleaning if that needs to be done. Many women out there are afraid of yard-work and cleaning around the house because it may ruin all the work they did that morning to get ready. That never phased you Mom. I never saw you complain about cleaning or yard-work. You’re a ‘just get it done’ woman, and I love that about you. I remember riding to school and you were giving me a life lesson as you did during our regular ‘talks’ to and from school. You taught me: “People feel uncomfortable when they listen to someone complaining. Hold strong and just get it done. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help, but it does no good to anyone to complain about it.”
Speaking of our ‘regular talks’, this is going to be something that I am going to miss terribly when you have to leave. I fondly remember our talks to and from school in Elementary, Jr. High and even High School. I love the excuses that you and I silently made to one another to avoid the bus and drive me to school - just so we could talk. The late nights when we should have gone to bed, but instead we stayed up laughing. Even laughing so hard we woke up Dad who rushed down the stairs because he thought one of us were hurt because we were laughing so hard we were crying! haha! The excuses to have a tea party even though we were Adults. 
You are my best friend, but also my parent. Sometimes I knew the difference, but it never really mattered. I’ve always known how to respect you as a Parent, but you’ve always been so much fun as a friend. That takes talent Mom, to teach and guide a child to feel comfortable that way with their Parent. I think all of us kids can say that about you.
Take a look at these kids of yours Mom:
All of these kids love you and Dad, all of these kids love each other. We are a strong family!
So Mom, if you EVER think - “Did I do a good job?!” Don’t ever think twice about it. Because Mom, you did the best you could - the best you knew how. That is more than anyone could ask for. God is proud of you, we are proud of you. Mom, always remember: You are loved.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Your youngest,
Rebecca Emily
Thank you for helping me do what I love to do and reach my dream of being a full time writer!
LDS Newsroom
To My Wonderful Mother,
It’s been twenty years since you left us, but your memory still lingers with us today. You are as much a part of us now as you were when we were babies.
First, you were not just a wife to the man you married in 1926 at the age of nineteen. You were also his helpmate and companion. You bore 14 children for Dad and raised ten of them. There were seven boys and seven girls and you raised five of each. But now there are seven of us left. You buried one son (Harry) about a year before we lost Daddy.
You cooked, cleaned, sewed, worked in the fields and garden, washed clothes on a scrub board, and had a large family. Mom, you always found time in your busy day for each and every one of us. You were not just a mother to us, you were our best friend as well. You had a way of making each of us feel as tho we were the most important person in the world. You taught us right from wrong and helped us to see the good in everything around us.
I watched as you took time even for your neighbors. If one of our neighbors needed anything at all, you were always the first to lend a helping hand. It didn’t matter what the cause, time, or circumstances, you were there.
It wasn’t just your own kids who called you “Mom”, but all the kids we grew up with called you “Ma Phillips”. You never showed any difference between any of us, as all the kids were “your” kids.
I remember the smell of the clothes you washed by hand and hung on the line in the sun to dry. They smelled so fresh and clean. Oh! and let’s not forget the sweet smells from your kitchen. You always had something cooking on the stove. Those aromas were enough to make everybody hungry. That was one thing you never did, was let your family go hungry, cause you always had plenty, even for those “unexpected” guests at mealtime.
You walked tall and strong, but were humble at the same time. You never failed to have a smile and a kind word for everyone you met. Mom, you were so much more than just a wife, mother and friend. You were the light in every life you touched. I can still hear the hymns that you sang or hummed as you worked. I smile and think of you each time I hear one of them. Your favorite song was “Just One Rose”.
One favorite hymn of mine is, “If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again”. If I could have one wish, that would be the one I’d make.
Mom, I could write a book of your good deeds and my memories of you. You wouldn’t want that tho, cause you were not one for praise or standing out in a crowd. But you were always there right in the center of things and the center of our lives.
You rest, Mom, you’ve earned it. If there ever was an Angel or Saint who walked this earth, that Angel or Saint had to be YOU. You are gone from us now, but will never be forgotten or unloved. Our loss is Heaven’s gain and I know that Heaven is a much better place, because you are there.
Leona “Ruth” DONALSON PHILLIPS
Dates: August 29th, 1907; To: October 29,1988
That is a beautiful tribute to your mom!
I haven’t checked your blog in a while, you’ve been up to some fun and interesting stuff, let me know if you want to go swim one night, its my favourite place to work out, I also have a pretty cool workout video I’ve been trying to do-your always welcome to come and do that too. I think I’ll check out the website, I’m forever trying to shed my last 15lbs!! Nice tribute to your mom, hope to see you tomorrow at church.
Nice
That was very beautiful! I enjoyed reading this post a lot.
Myra:
WONDERFUL letter! Thank you so much for sharing
Merrianne, Claire, Dee & Rebecca:
Thank you for reading it and sharing your thoughts