Tanner's Mothers Day Talk

We cleaned out Tanners room and found his Mother's Day Talk, so I thought I would share it.
(He wrote this by himself)

Since it is Mother's Day today I am going to talk about mothers, my mom specifically. My mom is a very special person, she has been a huge help for me throughout the years growing up, and still this very day. My mom is the foundation of my family. She provides so much stuff for me and the other people in my family, especially spiritual support for us. I don't know what my family would be like without my mom. It would feel like there was an empty gap where fun, happiness, support and other things should be. I know that my mom cares so much for me, and the others in my family. She is there to help us get back on the straight and narrow path if we stray from it. She always helps us along if we are going through any hard times at school, at home or anywhere, she will be there to pull us through for sure. My mom has always taught me to include the Lord in whatever I do, and to stay clean, physically, mentally, and spiritually no matter what other people are doing, or what is "cool" at the time. She says to crave the spirit like you crave that plate of cookies on the kitchen counter.
Russell M. Nelson said that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. I know that this is very true. Out of all the jobs in the world, I think a mothers job is the hardest, but also the most rewarding.
The first presidency also said this about mothers, "Motherhood is near to divinity, it is the highest holiest service to be assumed by mankind, it places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels. Mothers are a big part of God's plan of happiness." I think that the influence of my mom will bless me throughout my life.
Here's a story about how a mother's influence saved a young missionary. Elder Frank Croft was serving his mission in the state of Alabama. While preaching to the people he was forcefully abducted by a gang. The gang ordered Elder Croft to take off his coat and shirt before he was tied to a tree. As he did so a letter he had just received from his mother fell out of his coat and fell to the ground. The leader of the gang picked the letter up and started reading it. It said, "My beloved son, remember the words of the Savior when he said, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my names sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for you shall have your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Also remember the Savior upon the cross suffering for the sins of the world when he had uttered these immortal words, "Father , forgive them for they know not what they do." Surely my boy, they who are mistreating you know not what they do or they would not do it. So be patient and love those who mistreat you and say all manner of evil against you, and the Lord will bless you and magnify you. Remember my son that day and night you mother is praying for you." After reading this letter the gang leader pondered the words in the letter for a moment and said, "Feller, you must have a wonderful mother. You see I once had one too, " Then addressing the mob he said, "After reading this Mormon's letter I can't go ahead with the job, maybe we should let him go." Elder Croft was then released without harm.
A mother's influence can truly affect your life and those lives around you. She has been a great influence about prayer. Many times I walk into her room to tell her something and she is on her knees, by her bed praying. This is a great reminder to say my own personal prayers if I forget.
If you are a mother you are doing God's work. You should try to be a good example to your kids and always include the Lord and the spirit into your daily lives. My mom is what gets our family going through the day, no matter what. Even if we have an argument she will always come immediatley after and apologize. She is a very good example at forgiving others.
I hope that I will be able to be as hardworking and forgiving as her. My mom is such a great person. Mothers are the foundation of families and we should all strive to be at least half of what they are. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you Tanner.