Besides the countless times we watched the movie together, I distinctly remember Mom sitting on the hard wood floor in my bedroom, reading Little Women to me as I fell asleep. There is one night I remember in particular. We had just read the chapter about Meg's trip to visit Annie Moffat. (If you haven't read the book or seen the movie or musical, do it, because this will all make a lot more sense after.) While at one of Annie Moffat's grand parties, Meg overhears two women talking about the March family. They elude to the idea that Meg will one day marry Laurie, their wealthy neighbor. One woman says, "Mrs. M. has made her plans, I dare say, and will play her cards well, early as it is." Meg, as you can imagine, is shocked by this idea. Would her mother really carry on a friendship with Mr. Lawrence, Laurie's grandfather, in hopes that one of her daughters would one day marry the young man and inherit the family fortune? I would be willing to bet that Meg, knowing her mother's character, was wise enough to know that these were not her mother's intentions. Upon returning home, Meg tells her mother about what she overheard and asks, "Mother, do you have 'plans', as Mrs. Moffat said?" Marmee's response is beautiful:
"Yes, my dear, I have a great many, all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat's, I suspect.... I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good. To be admired, loved, and respected. To have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant, lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. It is natural to think of it, Meg, right to hope for and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy. My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious then, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace."
After finishing the chapter, Mom told me of the plans that she had for me. After all, all mothers have plans for their daughters. I wish with all my heart that I could remember exactly what she said and what she told me. I can't. But I can imagine what she said. I'm sure in some aspects, it was similar to Marmee's. That first and foremost she wanted me to be happy and content with my life. I bet she talked about the importance of the gospel in finding true happiness. In talking about her plans for my future husband, a worthy priesthood holder, a returned missionary, and an eagle scout were at the top of the list. I bet she also talked about the importance to find someone who respects me, who loves the Lord more than he loves me, and who will be a great father. And of course she would have talked about the temple and the importance of working toward a temple marriage and finding someone who was working toward the same. I can imagine her also talking about getting an education, being responsible and productive, and serving well in church callings. I hope to be able to become the woman she saw me becoming, but there is one thing that I am sure of. I have found a WONDERFUL man, who I know fits all of her qualifications.
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| Us on the farm with just a small portion of my cute future nieces and nephews :) |
Meeting and falling in love with Nathan has been the most amazing experience. It has been easier and more magical than I ever imagined. The smoothness of our relationship has made me feel that the powers of heaven have been involved every step of the way. There must be angels attending to us. Fairly early on in our relationship, I was talking to a friend about how absolutely perfect Nathan is for me. She said, "You know, I bet your mom picked him out." A truer statement has never been said of Nate. I wish I could find the words to explain why that is. I will try, in the best way I know how.
If you are reading this blog, you probably knew my mother. Or if you didn't, you at least know how much I look up to, admire, and strive to be like her. The woman I am when I'm with Nate reminds me of my beautiful mom. He loves me and accepts me for who I truly am. He helps me make the gospel and service the center of my life. He loves my music and encourages me to pursue my passions. He encourages me to live an active lifestyle and take care of my body. He does not expect me to spend oodles of money on clothes, or hours on end doing my makeup. In essence, the things that he loves most about me, are the exact traits that my mother exemplified and instilled in me.
So this is my cheesy post about my fiance. (I have so much fun calling him that!) He's amazing. I love him with all my heart. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father sent someone so wonderful to sweep me off my feet! I never expected to find someone so wonderful. It's such a comfort to know, without a doubt, that Mom would approve of him in a heartbeat! The day that the two of them get to really, officially, meet will be a miraculous one. It's a thought that I will cherish in my heart until that day comes!
