My Memories of Mom

My earliest memories are growing up. I remember once Mom asked to help Laura wash the dishes and I didn't want to. I remember slamming a melmack (plastic dinnerware popular in the 70's) plate into a sink full of dishes. The plate received a major chip and had a crack, but it was still useable. Every time I saw that plate, I was reminded of my anger. I am not sure if I learned my lesson to hold my tongue, but I am glad that my Mom silently put me in my place.
I remember her picking me and my siblings up at school sometimes and for Primary every Wednesday. That was just who she was. Looking after her children. I remember going to her genealogy books and being fascinated by those legal size sheets.
Once I was having a problem getting along with one of my friends, it was either junior high or high school. I don't remember what she told me, but I remembered that she listened and that she cared.
When I graduated from the University of Utah, she was determined to attend the ceremonies with Steve and me. She regretted not being able to be there when I got my Associates from Ricks College years before. Steven led me on a final campus tour before I turned my cap and gown in at the bookstore. She trailed us for some of the tour before finding a place to rest.
I remember trips to Colorado and Blackfoot, Idaho to see family. I also remember a trip to Olympia to see Mary's family. Not everyone came, but we had a good time. It was fun to visit Victoria, Canada. We took the ferry there. It was my only time out of the country. We took a few trips to Seattle together, both by plane and car. 
Aunt Gladys, Mom and I took a two week vacation in the Midwest. Our destination was Nauvoo. Aunt Gladys would comment that Mom had a habit of falling asleep in the back seat like their father did during Sacrament Meeting (church service). Mom said she was just along for the ride and grateful to be included. Mom said once during the trip that she figured this would be her last chance to see Nauvoo and some of the other places we visited.
When I flew out on Southwest, September 14th, to see Mom for a possible last time. About an hour before boarding, my sisters called to tell me that Mom had left this mortal life. I felt lonely until I was standing in line to board the plane. I realized she would be making this trip with me. One of my first flights to Seattle was with Mom on Delta, which is the airline she always flew. I was grateful to have a final flight with her and to know that she will continue to watch over me.