My Mom

My Mom is still with us and I am very grateful for this, she lives with us part time and is returning to be with us in a few weeks. She turned 86 this year and still drives.  She stays active in her California Church and has a church family here. She loves our Savior Jesus Christ and has tremendous faith.

Mom grew up on a farm in Idaho and later in Oregon. She experienced the Great Depression and speaks of it as something that shaped her character. She has fond memories of her youth despite the hardships.

I got to experience what her life was like when I was allowed to visit her parents during several summers when I was young. I love the farming life and still think this is what I would be doing today had she not moved to California.

I think this picture is from one of her first jobs she had in the Southern California area.

Mom and Dad taught me many things but one of the greatest attributes they instilled in me is a strong work ethic. They both worked full time to provide for my brother and I. Living in So Cal is not for the faint of heart due to the high cost of living. 

My fondest memories growing up were our frequent trips to the beach. Seal Beach was the destination of choice for them and it is where I gained my great love of the ocean. It seems like we would make a dozen or more trips to the ocean every summer. I would spent hours in the ocean body surfing and later took up Scuba diving. I also love deep sea fishing. I am grateful that her and Dad gave me these opportunities of great enjoyment playing at the beach.