Three years feels like a Lifetime

Three years ago today, I lost the most amazing woman I have ever known. My mom, Clara Marie Shelley McNeill, passed away after a roller-coaster of being sick and trying to recover.

Mom is the most Christlike person I have ever known. She always put everyone above herself. She was always there for me and did everything she could for those she loved. She is the greatest example to me in just about every aspect of my life, especially how to be a good woman in the church and a mother. I remember her being a faithful visiting teacher, being the glue to our immediate and extended families, being the one anyone could turn to for advice, being the most dedicated and diligent worker even if she was exhausted, and being the best Mom I could ever ask for.

I'll always remember her listening to her music in her sewing room while she was ironing, rubbing her feet and having late night talks with her, going on errands, doing the dreaded yardwork and seeing her and my dad in the grungy clothes but not caring since I was too, her support of my school and church events, and her love for her grandkids and the Lord.

It honestly seems like it has been longer than three years since she has been gone. It is unbelievable how fast time really goes and how fast our lives pass by us. I have completed three years of college. I have lived in Sandy, Tooele, Ephraim, Kamas (Oakcrest, for the summer), and Orem since then. I have met amazing people. Some of the experiences I never would have thought I would be able to have. I have learned so much!

I love you and miss you Mom. Thank you for everything you have given me and for watching out for me from heaven. I know you are looking down on me, making sure I don't do too many stupid things. I can't wait for the day to see you again. I will be eternally grateful for the sealing power found in the temples and for the knowledge of eternal families. This is my tribute to Mom and my testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ, who made eternity possible for us all.

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