In April 2017 I kicked off a gratitude challenge where I wrote a daily blog post for 30 days (more on my learnings here). When the challenge ended I decided to continue the habit but only occasionally share these gratitudes on my blog. 

In his book Standing for Something, Gordon B. Hinckley shares the impact that strong mothers can have on both their children and the world.

The story is told that in ancient Rome a group of women were, with vanity, showing their jewels to one another. Among them was Cornelia, the mother of two boys. One of the women said to her, “And where are your jewels?” Cornelia responded, pointing to her sons, “These are my jewels.”

Angelica Kauffmann, Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, 1785. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Under her tutelage, and walking after the virtues of her life, they grew to become Gaius and Tiberius Gracchus—the Gracchi, as they were called—two of the most persuasive and effective reformers in Roman history. For as long as they are remembered and spoken of, the mother who reared them after the manner of her own life will be remembered and spoken of with praise also.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful women that have influenced our lives. I have been blessed to be surrounded by remarkable mothers.

The first mother I am thankful for is my Grandmother, Lenore Hobbs. My grandma stayed with my family for extended periods of time when I was in middle school. We’d watch basketball together and she loved cheering for her “Little Johnny” (John Stockton) and the Utah Jazz. She was a joy to be with. She always made me feel like I was the most important person alive. My grandma was one of the most loving people I’ve known. She gave and she gave and she gave, never expecting anything in return. While Grandma Hobbs passed away several years ago, the memory of her kindness lives on.

Second, I’m grateful for my mother. She taught me to read at a young age and instilled a love of books. My siblings attended a private school and the commute was 45 minutes each way. When she wasn’t driving them to school or dropping us off at soccer practice, or taking us to baseball games, she was helping us with homework or assisting in our classrooms. She devoted all of her adult life to raising me and my siblings. She is an example of selfless service.

Finally, I am thankful for my wife. I’ve written before of the many things I love about her, so I’ll be brief here. Motherhood is always hard, but COVID-19 has brought unique parenting challenges. With schools getting closed and sports seasons canceled, she’s taken on increased responsibilities. She teaches, cares, and serves with love and patience. She shows up every single day. She is relentless.

If service is the rent we pay for living in this world, these three women have more than paid their portion. I am grateful for strong women who, like Cornelia, have chosen to make their children their jewels. The world is a better place because of them.