(Written by Linda Pulsipher for a project Tanner is working on for school. February 2015)
Why My Family is Important to Me?
I grew up in a home with goodly parents where we were taught the principles of the gospel and I knew I was loved. It was only natural for me to want to marry and have children of my own. Before I had my own children, I could not have imagined the depth of love that one could have for another person. The power of creation between a man and woman is a sacred gift God bestowed on men and woman for a purpose much more grand than procreating the earth. Who could imagine the powerful feelings of love that a mother develops for her babies as she carries them in her womb, nurses them at her breast, and gives up sleepless nights to comfort her crying infant? Parents freely and willingly give of themselves because they love their children so much. The more we sacrifice and pray for our children, the more we love them. Perhaps this is the closest we will understand the love of the Savior and his willingness to give his life for us. As a young mother I felt a sacred duty and obligation to teach, raise and mold my children into the men and woman I wanted them to be. Little did I know, that these were not children that I created, nor did I have any power to shape or mold them into something I could for see. These children of mine were individual, unique and beautiful in ways that I could not have imagined. These were Heavenly Father’s children and He had entrusted them into my care for safe keeping in this life. Perhaps we even choose each other in the pre-existence, knowing that we would all have weaknesses and challenges, but we promised to be there for each other and never give up. I have come to learn that a family is the best school for learning sacrifice, patience, charity, forgiveness and repentance. A family is important because we don’t give up on each other. When one person falls, there is someone their to pick them up. We joy in each other’s joys and sorrow over each other’s sorrows. We learn how our differences make us unique and beautiful. We learn the power of love when it is freely given and not always deserved. As a parent I have developed a much greater appreciation and love for the Savior and his infinite atonement that will make up for all of the things that I didn’t get right as a parent. This is a life of learning and growth, and I am so grateful that God gave us families to teach us about the power of love and sacrifice.
Linda Pulsipher (Luckiest mom)
Mother of Kristi, Craig, Amy, Kelly, Tanner and Sarah (the most wonderful children in the world)
