“MY MOTHER. Words are so inadequate to describe her and what she means to me. She was just the grandest person I have ever known. She was never “too busy” to answer any questions, or help solve any problem I brought her. Yet she was always busy; she never just sat and rested; she knitted, crocheted, and darned. She must have knit thousands of socks and mittens for us. Her judgement was so excellent; her sympathy and love inexhaustible. She nursed me through illnesses, cheered me through disappointments; encouraged my worthwile efforts. She worked with us, but never lost her status as our sweet, gentle Mother. She made such good bread. And I think each of us boys learned to mix bread if we needed to. Also, each of us pieced a quilt top – which she later quilted or helped us quilt, and presented to us when we married.
Mother had a rare gift of healing. Many, many people testify that they owed their lives to her ministrations. When our son Dewain was old enough to walk, but had made no effort to try because of a crippled leg, Mother went out and, although it was winter and snow covered the ground, she managed to get a large pan of dirt. She warmed it in the oven. Then she put the pan on the floor and sat Dewain in it. She said, “There is strength in the soil.” We humoured her, though we had little faith in the idea. A short time later, coming to the house after milking one evening, Elsie and I were puzzled to hear a thumping, sliding sound. When we opened the door, we were simply amazed to see Dewain scooting around the kitchen floor. Mother smiled her triumph.
When Dewain was born, Mother literally pulled him back from the Valley of Death. She was determined that he should live. All life was precious to her. As he grew older, Dewain enjoyed spending a few days visiting his Grandma, and her word was law to him. When she told him he should call me “Papa,” instead of Nephi, he promptly informed everyone in the family that they too should call me Papa.
Mother was not just a “believer.” She lived the Gospel every day of her life. Each of us was taught early to pray, and to take our turn in family prayers. She had many rich spiritual experiences, and shared them with us. Her whole-hearted devotion to the Church was a testimony in itself to us. We all attended the meetings of the Church regularly, and participated wherever we were asked. The Church was the hub of our existence. We knew it was true, and that it was led by men called of God. We gave freely of our time and means in His service. I believe our family truly tried to “keep His commandments” to the best of our abilities.”
Book of Remembrance of Arthur Benjamin Clark and Descendants p. 438-439
Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 51, 52.
This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.
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