Text Box: It was four years ago, on May 19th, that my mother passed away from pancreatic cancer. It was so unexpected and she seemed so young to me – only 64 years old. I still find myself at random moments missing her so much. The thing I miss most is knowing she isn’t there to talk to. I can’t just call her and get her advice or her wisdom and understanding on something I am struggling with.

I read recently that a mother’s influence is like the sun, ever present, ever warming, ever lighting. That describes my mother. I don’t remember a lot of events in particular that stand out with my mother, but I remember her just being there. I think she probably wondered, as I do sometimes, if what she was doing as a mother really made a difference, and I know there were many times when she felt unappreciated. But I can say, along with my eight brothers and sisters, “Yes Mom, you made all the difference in the world as you raised me and were there for me, and I appreciate your sacrifices so much! You were Text Box: like the sun in my life, lighting the way and always influencing me. I don’t remember lectures on morals and standards, or where you stood on issues, but I knew exactly what you believed in because of your example and the way you lived your life. You didn’t have to tell me I was important to you because I felt it and saw it as you made taking care of us a priority.”

We all have days when we as mothers feel unappreciated and unimportant. It is easy to lose sight of the value of our work as a mother sometimes, but a vision of our purpose and influence upon our children can carry us through! It can get us through the days when we question whether the things we do as a mother really matter.
What is your goal as a mother? Is it to be there for your children enough that your influence and your teachings are more powerful than your children’s peers or the media’s influence? Is your vision far reaching enough that you can see how Text Box: Summer 2007
Text Box: President’s Message
By Annelle Doxey
Text Box: 2007 Calendar:
Aug 20—Lagoon Day
Sep 8—Provo Mini-Conference
Oct—Logan Mini-Conference
Nov 18—Interfaith Devotional
Text Box: Newsletter
Text Box: American Mothers Utah Association

John Harmer

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Mother of the Year

4

Young Mother of the Year

5

Cultural Arts Competition

6

Shelley’s corner for Health

7

MissionFish and eBay

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Membership form

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AMI Lagoon Day!

It’s AMI Lagoon Day on August 20, 2007! Tickets are $18.95 (which is half-price) and can be purchased at Lagoon that day. Pick up your discount coupon from AMI in the gazebo out front from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It’s good for up to eight day passes. You can also get the discount coupons in advance from Heidi Monson (801-583-6638) or Leslie Keddington (801-582-1002). Come meet us at the Turquoise Terrace (near the Lagoona Beach entrance) from 1:00 – 3:00, for drinks and watermelon and some raffle prizes. Hope to see you there!

Text Box: the daily drops of love and service will add up over time? Will your children look back on your life and realize the priceless gifts you have given them, as I do with my mother?

I have been impressed, as I have talked with mothers across our state (at the state convention) and across the nation (at national convention), with their level of dedication and devotion to nurturing their children and protecting them through moral teachings and example. I love AMI because of the ways it teaches me and motivates me to be a better mother! We can, and we must feel of our incredible influence and power to make a difference in this world. It is our goal as a state board to empower mothers, to help each realize that their influence is immeasurable and ever present – like the sun. May you be blessed as you light the path for your