MOTHERS

                          













THE PICTURE ON THE LEFT IS MY WIFE AND THE PICTURE ON RIGHT IS MY MOM.

                  MOTHERS

I am sitting here thinking about MOTHERS and their special Day and as they come to mind I put them here to add to my BLOG. They brought back some fun memories to me—Perhaps- they will to you also. They are not all original and where I could remember I indicated where they come from—the rest were just memories that came to mind---

A Scoutmaster after watching several new scouts in their attempt at outdoor cooking, asked the question, “How are you guys coming along and have any of you forgotten any essential equipment?” “Yes I guess I have” one little guy answered. “Oh what might that be”, asked the Scoutmaster? “MY MOTHER.” He answered.

Mothers Day has been described in many ways, such as, A day set aside to pay tribute to someone that we take for granted the rest of the year.-------or one day that we take over and do the work that Mom does every day all year long.------or one day set aside to thank Mothers for the devotion that they continually show the members of their family.

We sometimes forget that there are Mothers all over the world. There are Mothers in China, England, Japan, Canada and the USA. Also some of our daughters are Mothers and of course all Mothers are someone’s daughters. I don’t know how many countries in the World celebrate Mothers day, but in this country it is celebrated by more people than any other holiday, except Christmas. If it is not celebrated in all countries it certainly should be.

I grew up in a small town and if any of you have had that experience it is a real eye opener. In a small town you do not have just one Mother. You have several Mothers and they all keep an eye on you and have no objections to taking you by the ear and directing you home if you have done something they did not approve of.

I recall one experience when I was young and had done something I should not have I was approached by my “Aunt Lucille” (Not really an Aunt at all) who told me we should perhaps go home and tell my Mom what had happened. I told her, when we got there, I was going to tell my Mom she was picking on me and I will never forget her answer, “Oh I am sure she will believe you?” I was not to happy having so many Moms’ looking after me when I was young but now that I am older I see it was a good thing.

I would like to approach the subject of honoring our Mothers by reminding us of the commandment “Honor thy Father and thy Mother”, which thundered on Sinai centuries ago. It is just as vibrant today as it was when the Lord declared it to Moses. That commandment will live forever, It will not be revoked!

What does it mean to honor our Mothers? What obligations are imposed by the commandment on Sinai? How about some suggestions for a typical family and not only for Mothers Day but for every day.

FATHER---------------Are you as faithful in providing for YOUR MOTHERS needs as she was in providing for you? How long has it been since you visited your Mother, or called her or wrote her a long loving letter. Do you think any of those actions would affect her? Also Father don’t forget your wife’s mother. Remember she gave you the greatest gift she had to give-----HER DAUGHTER!

MOTHER--------------Don’t forget your Mother. The attention you give to your Mothers temporal & spiritual needs mean much more to her than do these benefits coming from any other person on earth. If time has slowed Mom up, or bent her form; do not forget that you may have figured in mightily in those changes. One of my Mom’s comments was that most of her gray hair came one by one, with MY HELP. Your Mother loved you---set up nights-----prayed----wept and worried----hoped and dreamed for you. Your Mom gets her reward in you and your actions.

THE SON--------Son, if occasionally, you discover that you know more than your Mom does, or you think you do, thank her for the great opportunity she gave you to learn. Have respect for your home, ---It is the greatest school you will ever attend and it has been blessed with the greatest teacher you will ever know. ---Your Mom. She would do anything or give anything she could to make you happy.

THE DAUGHTER----- If you could know your Mom’s thoughts. -----Hear her prayers, ----feel her anxiety; you would never say things like “it is none of your business”. Remember you are a part of her. If you do wrong she is offended. ----If you are hurt she is hurt. ---If you are happy she is happy. I think you could say you are your Mothers temple. She expects you to be clean and reverent and to show love to others. She prays every day for YOU. It may take you and the Lord together to answer all her prayers about you, but NEVER forget how much she loves you.

I am sure we can all recount many stories and experiences of mothers but let me recall a couple I am aware of--------------------

Put yourself in the shoes of the mother, who at the expense of clean windows and polished floors at home, stood in the hallway of a school waiting to retrieve the frozen salmon she had rushed from the deep freeze to the school that afternoon (After a frantic call from little Ernie at school) because he did not have anything for show and tell. She could not make an accurate recording of her accomplishments that day because she did not witness the miracle she wrought. Ernie was a child with little confidence, bashful and insecure among his classmates, but that day, as he stood in front of the class, all eyes were on him, for he held in both arms a thirty six inch FROZEN salmon. (Thanks to Mom). His classmates were almost hypnotized when he told them how he and his Dad had caught this great fish in the Columbia River. From that day on it was different for Ernie. The students thought that if he could catch a fish like that he could do anything. So he became part of the group. Everyone wanted to sit by him. Instead of being last he was chosen among the first. A miracle had taken place all because Mom had let her floors go unpolished and her windows unwashed. She probably must have wondered that afternoon if she had really accomplished much that day.

Then I recall the Mother in the Salt Lake area that got a frantic phone call from school and the daughter said, almost in a frenzy, “Mom I forgot my lunch money and I am starving. Can you bring it to me?” Well of course Mom could bring it to her. Isn’t that what Mom’s are all about? ---- and then the final comment—By the way Mom I am in Ogden at the High School--- see you in a few and thanks!!!

It seems Mothers and young children always seem to go together. Children admire their mothers and Mothers have “brag-books” for their children’s pictures. Children love to come home and run in the door and yell, “I’m home mom” and get the response. O.K. dear, I am here in the kitchen.”

Here is a poem that has this as its theme-------------

     Sometimes when I get home from school

     And Mother isn’t there,

     And though I know she’ll be back soon

     And I don’t really care,

     Still all the furniture looks queer,

     The house seems hushed and sad:

     And then I hear her coming in,

     And, oh boy, am I glad!

              Esther Doolittle

It seems another quirk of nature is that the younger the child the more they want to help Mom with her chores. (i.e. the two years old who wants to help with the dishes. The three year old who wants to help make a cake.) It seems that to help Mom out is quite popular with young children. Sometimes the help causes more work for Mom in the long run but the children are usually sincere. It seems however they always want to do a job that is just a little bit to difficult for them to do alone and not the things that they can easily do. So of course at that point the “great teacher” the Mom takes over her task as Mom and teacher.

I am sure most of you have heard the poem Which Loved Best?

I love you Mother, said little John;

Then, forgetting his work his cap went on,

And he was off to the garden swing,

Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

I love you Mother, said rosy Nell;

I love you better than tongue can tell;

Then she teased and pouted full half the day,

Till her Mother rejoiced when she went out to play.

I love you Mother said little Fan;

Today I’ll help you all I can;

How glad I am the school doesn’t keep!

So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

Then stepping softly, she took the broom,

And swept the floor, and dusted the room;

Busy and happy all day was she,

Helpful and cheerful as a child could be,

I love you Mother, again they said—

Three young children going to bed;

How do you think the Mother guessed?

Which of them really loved her the best?

          Joy Allison

Several years ago a newspaper did an article by asking several Mothers “What does Mother’s Day mean to you.

I know in our family my Mother loved to just have the family visit and sit around and reminisce. While she was still with us that was still important to my wife, who was also a mother and to my daughters who are also mothers. We love to get together and talk about the growing up years and perhaps some of the things our Mothers did or did not teach us?

I guess one of the best presents we can give our Mothers is a simple “Thank You Mom?”

Some thoughts I run into while reminiscing ---------------(some I have embellished)

Try praising your Mom, even if it does frighten her at first.---- Billy Sunday

There is nothing upon this earth that can be compared to a faithful Mother---

                                  Daniel Webster

A Mother who is old at 40 can turn into a grandmother who is young at 60----

                                      Talmage

Old age is not uncomfortable if a Mother has grandchildren to share it with her—

                                           Scott

The American West would still be an unfenced wilderness if the pioneers had left the mothers at home------------Gray

TRIBUTE TO MOM

A few days after my Mom passed away in 1993 I was meditating and wrote this to help me remember how I felt at the time. And now it has been 21 years ago and Mothers Day is approaching so I thought I would post it.

                             TRIBUTE TO MOM

I once read a poem called “no tears for me.”

I thought at Mom’s funeral, how could that be?

I know life was good for both she and Dad,

But death must make everyone feel very sad.

Then I thought to myself, death is not the end.

It is a new beginning, perhaps never to end.

Death is not a foe, but an inevitable adventure,

If we do not to Satan, our souls indenture.

We should recall our Mom with a smile and a grin,

The tall proud lady, with gray hair, ----thin,

Who would give her all for her family on earth?

And worried for the “little ones” from their time of birth.

We all loved her and she loved us in return.

She has left this earth now, to Dad to return,

To a glorious reunion which is past the grave.

For those left behind, we must be brave.

This old world of ours in the land of the dying,

She leaves us mortals sad, lonely and crying.

The next step, where she is, is the land of the living,

Where many others will meet her, with their love giving.

Her rocker is quiet, her needles are still.

She lived her life with a very strong will.

She took care of others her whole life through.

Small acts of kindness, she did continually do.

As death comes, we complete our mission in life.

We remember the good times and not the strife.

Death opens up the doors of immortality,

I hope Mom and Dad will be there to greet me.

Our shell which we leave in the grave so cold

Is not really us, or so we have been told.

Our soul has arisen, too much greater heights

We will walk with our loved ones in Heavenly Lights.

Carnations and roses will come from friends this day.

Sometimes flowers show to others what we cannot say.

Mom was a jewel, she did even sometimes glow.

What we did not expect was for her to go.

It is as natural to die as it is to be born,

And those left behind will always mourn.

But we can all meet again, in our Heaven above,

If we live our lives right and are full of love.

Many await us in the glorious hereafter.

Mom has met Dad and they are both full of laughter.

The meeting was joyous and happy above

When Mom met our Dad and her family with love.

Dad was waiting for Mom, and they now wait for us

Whether we get there or not seems to be up to us.

The way has been opened and in Heaven they wait

It is up to us, to use the keys and open the gate.

By W.R. Baldwin

11 Feb 1993

SERENITY

If you want a place that is calm, serene and quiet-- This is the place for you.

MOM'S

This is for all Mom's ---Including mine & my Wife.

 

Baldwin Heritage

This was written Jan. 1^st, 1996 while I was thinking about the Utah State Centennial Celebration.

                             HERITAGE                  

What is the heritage of the Baldwin Clan?

It is probably much like any other man.

Heritage is something that comes to belong

To a person by birthright, be it right or wrong.

It is an inherited thing that a family does own.

Usually the family, not one person alone.

It could be wealth. Or position or a thought,

But usually by hard work or by sweat it is bought.

Of the Baldwin’s, in days past many were teachers,

But also I’ve found that many were preachers.

There were many who settled on the Ohio plains,

There were many who suffered great grief and pains.

Caleb and Nancy, were at least two, who did say,

Lets listen to Parley, he may show us the way.

And listen they did as he taught them the truth.

About this new religion, their hearts had the proof.

Our heritage, through Caleb, is a blessing you see,

As members if the Church, for the whole family.

Would we have been members, as we are today

If Caleb had not listened to Parley that day?

Caleb was strong in the faith, and we got that clue

By the way he was involved in the battle—Big Blue.

Caleb did languish with Joseph, in a Missouri jail,

At Liberty where they became hungry and frail.

Our heritage is great as a family you see.

To love one another, does greatly please me.

For the Baldwin’s to be close, is all I would ask.

But sometimes I wonder if we are up to the task,

We are no longer called to give great sacrifice,

Nor to languish in a jail that is as cold as ice

The way Caleb and Joseph did many years in the past.

But we must live our lives so that our faith will last.

The heritage of the Baldwin’s as I can see

Is to pass on to our children from you and from me

A faith in their lives that is strong and bold,

Like the faith in the lives of our ancestors of old.

Are we honest and faithful and up to the task

To impart to our children the truths they do ask.

Do we love them, and help them, and cause them to cheer.

Do we truly and honestly their lives revere?

If we can say yes to the questions above,

Our heritage is safe, and so is our love

For our children, our life, our teachings, our home.

Then the Baldwin Clan, will never need be alone.

SOLITAIRE & RETIREMENT

Sorting out more old files tonight and found this. I must have written before I got a computer as I seem to have been playing solitaire at kitchen table at home.. That would have been in about 1997. A lot of things has happened since that time. A lot of them I did not even think about happening way back in what my grandkids think were the "horse & buggy" days.

SOLITAIRE & RETIREMENT

He sat at the table playing Solitaire

No outside work today, with frost in the air.

It was Wed., or Thurs., or some other day,

They all run together now, like a Saturday.

If he wanted to work or to loaf, or perhaps play,

He could do what he wanted, any given day.

He has dug in the yard and gave the lawn a trim

Then “don’t over-do”, his wife would tell him.

He knew it was facetious, this saying of hers.

It was like under a saddle a bunch of burrs,

To get him to move, or to buck or to run,

 But not me today, not unless it is for fun.

It seems strange to have every day as a day off,

Except when you’re sick or you’re starting to cough.

To do genealogy is too hard on the brain,

If you are sick it causes your body to strain.

You have to think, and to process the facts that you find.

It’s easier to play solitaire, than get in a bind,

By trying to do something to tax your recall.

It might even be better to do nothing at all?

I have been retired now for a month, no it’s two.

I’ve been able to keep busy, there is plenty to do.

But I am glad to get out of that every day grind,

To leave all the complaints and gripes far behind.

I miss all the friends I made along the way,

Those that I met with day after day.

My life will now take a new turn I hear.

I’ll spend much more time with those I hold dear.

My consort, my friend, my companion, my wife

With whom I will spend the rest of my life.

And even when life has ended I pray,

In Eternity we will see each other, each day.

As I play solitaire, and out the window I stare

Does it cause anxiety, and give me reason to care

About more important things, in my time of distress

Or am I sick enough to cause worry or cause stress?

“Of course not,” I say to myself with concern,

But these cardboards should go in the fire to burn.

The scriptures I could read, or a classic or two.

It’s not like I sit here with nothing else to do.

A letter could be written to my children or a friend,

Or a note to a grandchild, in the mail I could send

To tell them I love them and I am here to help solve them

Whenever they have one of life’s little problems.

I could write to my sweetheart and tell of devotion,

Or of appreciation she feels in times of commotion.

I depend on her and her unconditional love

To calm my emotions, like balm from above.

The cardboards still slap on the table with haste

As I think of all the time I must waste.

While playing solitaire, as out the window I stare

Thinking, I must stop this game now for other things that I care.

Written by W.R. Baldwin in April 1997

while suffering with a cold and cough,

but not really sick.

NAMES

                                                                          NAMES

                          NAMES

What is your name, the stranger asked?

I told him Baldwin, as he went on past.

I thought to myself later that day,

What’s in a name, what does it say?

By your name you are known, for good or bad.

Your name, you inherited from Grandpa and Dad.

Some names are glorious, some trip off the tongue.

Some known for evil, and some, heroes unsung.

One thing I’m sure of, as sure as can be

I want no one to steal my good name from me.

Not Father or Mother or Daughter or Son,

Will tarnish the name our family has won.

When I think, can I sin a little today,

I think of my name and temptation goes away.

Your name is something to cherish and praise.

Children with a good name, we hopefully raise.

Don’t steal another’s good name, no way.

By gossip or lying or whatever you say.

Let your name be integrity and consideration,

If it is, you will be known throughout the nation.

As one whose name is as good as his word,

Not someone just shouting, his voice to be heard.

If your name is good, you are solid as gold,

People will trust you, your confidence hold.

A good name means a lot in temporal things,

But think how much more, when an angel sings.

When you have gone past the veil and shut the door

And you face justice for your name, only once more.

Were the people on earth very proud of you?

Did you do all the things you said you would do?

Did the name you carried make you very proud?

Did you ponder these questions as you passed by a cloud?

Will you always remember as you go through the day,

Your name could be blemished by the things you say?

Or it might be revered by those you meet,

By the way you act, and not some heroic feat.

A name you are given at the time of your birth,

The name you’ll be known by while here on earth.

That name may be changed in the heavens above,

As we pass through the gates to our Father’s love.

Be proud of your name and the works that you do.

By that name you are given, we will all know you.

In England our name means “Bold Winner:” they say.

Don’t tarnish the name that you’re known by today.

W.R. Baldwin

16 March 1993
THE COAT OF ARMS SHOWN AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE IS THOUGHT TO 
BE CONNECTED TO MOST OF THE BALDWIN'S IN THE UNITED STATES.