Danielle Kennington, Utah Young Mother of the Year 2009, will presnt this speech at the National American Mothers Convention in Portland on April 22-26:
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I Am My Mother’s Garden
My mother’s garden is right outside the back door. On summer days, she would send me out to snip fresh herbs to add to the salad, lemonade, herb rolls, or any of the delicious dishes she was making. I love to see the roses and smell the lavender. It is a beautiful and orderly garden, but with a bit of class, just like my mom.
Every year I try to replicate that garden, but never seem to succeed or have the right touch. But I keep trying, having an image in my mind of what a garden should be.
My mother and other women in my life have planted the seeds of motherhood. I have learned what a mother should be through their example. I am their garden.
I would not have the privilege of being a mother without my daughter’s incredible selfless birthmother, Ashlee. Thanks to her amazing sacrifice and love, we adopted our beautiful daughter 4 years ago. We hope to be able to adopt another one soon.
My dear step mother, Jill, became an instant mother to three scared and needy children at the age of 28 when she married my Dad. I am so grateful for her love and patience as she taught me how to do chores, took time to cook with me, and taught me the importance of serving others. She loved me and assured me she wouldn’t give up on me. Through all this, she didn’t realize she was also teaching me how to be a wife and a mother.
I think of her patience with me when my four year old pulls up a stool and wants to “help” as I cook dinner. I remember to scoot over and help her crack the eggs and stir the batter. Jill continues to support, love and encourage me through my motherhood journey.
Another woman who planted the seeds of motherhood is Joye. She was my friend as well as my church leader during my teenage years. She taught me that I am a daughter of God. During the week, she would give me hugs, or show up with cookies and say she was just thinking of me. When her oldest daughter turned 13, Joye said she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about over having a teenager. She said it was so much fun! She taught me that being a mother is wonderful.
Joye’s example reminds me to put down the laundry that I’m trying to fold, and dance and twirl with my ballerina daughter. I am reminded how I lucky I am to be a mother.
My best friend Melody and I have been friends since 2nd grade. I am amazed that despite the turmoil of having 6 children, she is always laughing. When her 6-year old put his ice cream under the bed to save, and she found it 3 days later, she showed it to me and laughed. When her 3 year old put his new pair of glasses in the trash and she had just watched the garbage truck pick up the trash, she laughed. When I mentioned that to her, she pointed out that she could laugh or cry, and she’d rather just laugh.
When my daughter has a tea party with her dolls and spills water and food all over the floor, I think of Melody and have to laugh as I help her clean it up.
All these women have planted the seeds of mothering in me. I feel so blessed and privileged to be surrounded by amazing examples of motherhood. I am constantly being nourished by their example. I have a lot to learn as a mother, but I am enjoying the journey. Thank you to all the women in my life who cultivate my garden.
