Vilate Nyman Johnson--Part 6

Tribute given by James Warren Johnson (son) at the Logan 16th Ward Sunday School on Mother's Day in May 13, 1973

My brothers and sisters, I feel very humble as I stand before you and say a few words about my Mother on this special day and to recall some of the things that make her special to me. I ask The Lord to be with me, so I will be able to say the things that are in my heart, and to be able to share them with you.

We as a family had a very close and happy home life because our mother taught us the meaning of friendship and happiness. Many are the times I remember bringing home friends and she would always fix sandwiches and hot chocolate. My Mother has always been a wonderful cook and we as a family still enjoy going home and eating wonderful things she makes. Some of the grandchildren have a special dish that grandma makes and when she makes that particular one, the grandchild gets a phone call and an invitation out to dinner.

 

She has also been a wonderful teacher to me. She taught me the Gospel from an early age, and I remember when I was baptized we went to the Temple in a bob sleigh, pulled by horses because it was in the middle of the winter. She taught us the meaning of being truthful and to be good to each other.

She also taught us that through work and being honest we can achieve the goal we are striving for.

She has been proud of her pioneer heritage and has taught us to respect it.

She is proud of her family, six children, 24 grandchildren and one great grandchild. There are four of us that live in this ward, and we feel very fortunate to live this close to her, and that we still receive her help and guidance.

Myself and my three brothers all served in the armed service. I remember looking forward to the letters from Mother and all the news of my brothers and sisters. I certainly looked forward to getting into port and getting those letters from home.

As I was trying to remember some of the important things to tell you today, I was reminiscing and so my wife wrote this poem to my Mother.

Mother

by Jessie Lue Slack Johnson

I am one of the reasons

It’s been said to me

That made mother's hair

As white as could be.

But there are others

in this reminisces

Three of them brothers

And two little sisses.

Our Mother's a wonder

And there is no doubt

That sometimes with confusion

She wanted out.

She kisses us and cuddled

And hurts seemed to fade

The to ease broken hearts

Something special she made.

Love is one specialty

That she has galore

For all of her family

And then she has more.

Kindness is another

of treasures she shares

For friends and for neighbors

she always cares.

There's Beth and there's Nyman

And Reed is here too

With spouses and children

that makes quite a few.

There's Jeanie and Carl

That live far away

But send her their greetings

On this special day.

I'd say that we're blessed

with a mother like she

And no better example

there's apt to be.

Her children all love her

and honor her name

The grandchildren too

think just the same.

One little great grandson

and him we can't miss

Cause for him always

there's a hug and a kiss.

She held her head high

Even through sorrow

But great hope

She greets the tomorrow.

She taught us our prayers

and to love one another

So we say to her

Thanks for being our Mother.