My Angel Mother

Best Mom in the World

This past Sunday, we had an interesting lesson in church about keeping journals. I'll confess, I typically wait for a significant moment or memory before I'll write in my journal or even on this blog.

But then I remembered an email that my Dad sent to me several months ago, about writing your life history. Since I want this blog to be a place where I can record significant memories and impressions for my future posterity, I figured I would start with my Dad's email.

The email was simple really, just a list of questions about life, questions about people, places, and moments that may be significant to document. One especially stood out: What memories do you have of your mother?

I figured this was a good starting point for me, considering Sunday is Mother's Day. I wish I could encapsulate here everything that my Mother is and does. Since that's impossible, I'll just give you a small peek into the joyous memories that I have of this beautiful woman.

Karen Jane Stuy was born on July 24th, Pioneer Day. She truly is a pioneer in every sense of the word. She is strong in faith and diligence. She is humble, submissive, and charitable to all who surround her. If there's someone who embodies the characteristics of a pioneer, it is my angel mother.

My Mom grew up in California, daughter to two Dutch immigrants, Harry and Catherine Stuy. She was dedicated in school, at home, and in the Church. She raised goats, mastered sewing, and excelled in school. My grandparents taught all their children the importance of self-reliance, hard work, and dedication. Everyone worked, everyone did their part.

She eventually went to Brigham Young University, where she earned a B.S. in Accounting. While at BYU, she met and became engaged to Lance Roy Davis (I could tell the story of the proposal, but that's a delightful topic for another time). The summer after her graduation, they were married in the Los Angeles Temple.

Aren't They Adorable?

Because my Dad had several years of school left, my Mother became the primary breadwinner for the family, working in accounting for years to put my Dad through both his undergraduate and graduate programs. During that time, she became a mother to both my older brother, Jake, and me. I remember her telling me that Sunday nights were always tough for her then, because that meant she'd have to take her babies to daycare before heading off to work. She was, and is, enamored with her role as a mother.

Since that time, my Mom has given birth to two more children, my younger brother, Josh, and my younger sister, Sariah. She's fed us, bathed us, clothed us, cried with us, helped with our homework, taken us to gymnastics, football, basketball, scouts, church activities, choir concerts, plays, piano lessons, dance recitals, and so much more. She was constantly our cheerleader, helping us to discover new talents and reach our potential.

As we grew, I learned more about my Mom. I learned about her struggles and about her strong character. She taught me about faith, about testimony, about loving and sacrificing for others. She taught me about Christ, about the scriptures, and how to love the Lord. She taught me how to listen and give advice. But she didn't just teach me with her words. She taught me with her actions.

Karen was never one to turn down a church assignment, or neglect someone in need. She was always there to help others, to bring them meals when they were sick, or help watch their kids, or even drop off a cute present to let them know someone cared. She was and is an angel to many.

Gordon B. Hinckley, former prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints once said, "God planted within women something divine." I know that to be true, because I've seen it in my own Mom. She exudes love, quiet strength, and faith. She is humble, patient, and always reminds me what matters most.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I can only hope that one day I can be a mother like you.