Lessons on "Cumorah"

This last Sunday McKenna was asked to give a talk in primary. Mike helped her write it and then as she was practicing I noticed a few bigger words that she doesn't typically hear or say. So being the over protected Mom I am, and fearing that she would get embarrassed if she messed up I went back through and got out all the words she seemed to be stumbling on out. I thought I did my duty as a Mom and off we went to Primary. I could tell she was nervous but as soon as she started her talk she was great. She was talking loud and slowly well what can I say just perfectly. I was so proud of her and in awe of how much she has grown up lately.

At one point during her talk about Joseph Smith the word "Cumorah" came up. She totally froze and stumbled on the word. My heart sank. She looked at Mike and I then her paper then back to Mike and I again. It felt like FOREVER. She was trying to sound it out and like complete idiots, Mike and I were trying to mouth it to her. I am not sure why I didn't rush up to her? I wanted to but I just kept thinking that she would eventually get it and for some reason my mind couldn't will my legs to move. Thankfully one of the members of the primary presidency helped her with the word and she smiled and continued with the rest of her talk. She ended with her testimony and and a big smile.

For some reason this experience has stuck with me all week. It has so many "life lessons" for me as a Mom I guess. One being no matter how hard I try to protect her from "hard" things she will eventually have to face them. It is my responsibility to prepare her for those days, sit back, watch, hope, and wait. Talk about overwhelming.

In previous talks she has wanted one of us up there. She hasn't needed our help but she wanted us there by her side. Lets be real I wanted to be next to her! This talk she wanted to do it by herself. I knew she could do it but a part of me was sad that she was ready to let go and become one step closer to "independence". I am sure all of you with older children are laughing right now because these are just baby steps away but the point is that they are AWAY! The lesson for me is this, she will ALWAYS be my baby and I need to enjoy the steps as they come and be grateful she is going in the right direction. She will eventually grow up and I am so happy I get to be there and watch it all unfold one step at a time.

One last lesson I cant help but think of is about our Heavenly Father. I wonder how many times I have been looking for the answer to a question or a problem and he has been right there mouthing it to me. And I haven't seen or understood exactly what the message was. It makes me grateful for those friends, family members, young women leaders, teachers, and even my children who have stepped in and softly whispered in my ear.