“The good kind,” I replied.
“No. What kind of WOMAN?”
“The kind that loves Thomas.”
“Mom, WHAT KIND OF WOMAN ARE YOU?”
“The mom kind?”
After a few more exchanges, I realized T was looking for the phrase “Young Woman,” referring to my church job. But his questions have got me thinking. What kind of woman am I?
I’m thinking of better answers I could have given him, answers that reflect the kind of woman I want to be and teach my boys to admire. The strong kind, the creative kind, the smart kind.
And I’m thinking of the women who’ve influenced me. Here are just a few of the kind I’d like to be.
Shari (The Kind Kind)
“Look for someone who needs a friend,” my mother reminded me before every childhood birthday party. I never saw her sit by the same woman twice in Relief Society; she crocheted hats for fellow chemo patients; she makes friends with people who might be overlooked. And everyone loves her.
Suzi (The Thoughtful Kind)
Whether my mother-in-law is chatting with a group of missionaries or one of her grandchildren, she can put people at ease because she communicates genuine interest. She’s happy playing cars on the floor or combing the racks at TJ Maxx to help you find your size. Also, because she is thoughtful, Suzi remembers things like gloves and umbrellas.
Lindsey (The Fun Kind)
Whether it’s breakfast at McDonald’s on Saturday, bowling on Friday, or The Price is Right and hot chocolate any day, this girl knows how to party. Lindsey loves to make things fun with her friendly laugh and happy personality.
Grandma Jean (The Resourceful Kind)
From putting herself through college on her Bryce Canyon tips to her visits to Ross on senior day, Grandma can take what she has and make it something special. The best example? Her back patio that is one hundred and fifty square feet of heaven.
Heather (The Brave Kind)
While shouldering more than her fair share of burdens, Heather gets up every morning and nurtures her children, her faith, and her friendships. And she has beautiful golden hair.
Proverbs 31:10 asks, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” I must be wealthy, for I have found many.
What kind of women do you admire?
Posts
Anne (The Huzzah Kind)
ReplyDeleteWhether it is planning Christmas decorations or a Relief Society activity, Anne always looks for ways to add the Huzzah factor...little details that turn the good into the memorable. I am lucky to be a part of so many of those Huzzah moments.
Anne (The Hot Kind)
Whether she's sporting her running outfit or rockin' her size 2s, Anne is smokin' hot. Thank you Weight Watchers and your little point-counting booklet.
this is timely anne; i've been thinking how i'll parry all the inquiries about my singlehoodnessshipdom when im home--my favorite (and the true one) is that because of all the great women in my life, it's tough to find someone who matches up...
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of young mothers. Especially in the month of December. Taking care of children is the ultimate 24/7. Thank you for bathing, and dressing, and feeding (several times a day), and changing diapers (several times a day), and setting good rules, and trying to hold to them when you are exhausted, and putting them in and out of car seats, and reading stories, and teaching scriptures, and singing songs, and tickleing, and giggling, and crafting, and baking, and shopping, and blogging. I watch my daughters and the young mothers in my ward - and I love you all. It is the ultimate in unselfishness and service. My favorite Christmas book, Shoemaker Martin (I did not realize for about 20 years, that is isn't technically, a Christmas book) ends with all of you mothers in mind, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
ReplyDeleteEqually awesome are the young women I know. The pressures of college classes, studying for finals, writing papers, being kind to roommates, celebrating their birthdays when they are away from home, preparing meals for one or two, Christmas shopping without cars, accepting dates, declining dates, beginning romances, and ending romances. All choices that take faith, and strength, and commitment to your values. I love my Katie. I admire and respect her. I love her roommates and college friends - who came to her orchestra concert, and planned a wonderful birthday party, and give to each other in so many ways. "By small and simple things are great great things brought to pass".
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ReplyDeleteThanks for including me, Mom :)
ReplyDeleteEndure forte.
i had a good thought, then i read wade's comment and laughed out loud and need to think another moment.
ReplyDeleteok, i can find nearly anything to love about anyone, especially mothers. what i am continually fascinated by is how our different strengths make us completely different, yet all wonderful, mothers.
i admire you because you because of your ability to use words so creatively. maybe it seems small to you, but you always said the most insightful and funny things. really, i could just listen to you talk (or write) all day.
i admire audrey because sometimes she makes cake for breakfast.
i admire kate because i am sure she is reaching her ultimate goal to - as she put it - be the most fun mom on the block.
i admire vanessa because i only imagine she keeps everyone around her happy.
and suzy...endures everything with such patience.
I admire the kind of women who have the mental capacity to write such great blog posts and comments. Since my brain isn't really functioning right now I'll just say that my sisters and mom basically sum it all up!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, talented, caring, compassionate,Latter-day-saint women are in my family. Bless you each one!
ReplyDeleteThe best birthday gift you gave me was going to BYU's dance concert about pioneer women. I think about those stalwart ancestors of ours all the time. We're so lucky to have such remarkable women in our past and in our present. You rank at the top of my list, Anne!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, however, I found it a little lacking. You forgot to mention your wonderful self. There are so many things I admire about you and always will admire about you.
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