I love and miss her and think about her everyday. One thing is sure though is I can still feel her love and I know she is still with me.
-I am thankful for the faith to know that I am part of an eternal family. I know she is in a better place and she is happy. Now she can see again and do all those things she desired to do in this life that her body & circumstance would not permit.
My mother was truly an amazing person; no doubt about it.
This is the sketch I wrote and gave at her funeral. My eyes at the time were so filled with their tears that I lost my place skipping a small part, but none the less.
I love you mom, you are remembered and I will always honor the example and truths you gave me. :)
Love,
Your Little Earthquake
Maria Elsa Madrid Richards 1940-2010
A Sketch of an Amazing Woman:
Remembering my Mother Maria E M Richards (1940-2010)
As I began thinking about what I could share about my mothers’ life that would give you an idea of who she was, and what made her such a unique person. I realized immediately I was in way over my head.
The truth of the matter is, that anyone else standing here would be in the same position because our mother was something out of the ordinary.
Yes mom was interesting, but more than anything to be understood about her life isn’t in a time line or on the factual details about what or when; it lies in the who the how and the why.
I look back & think about all the times mom would tell us bits and pieces of her life.
If it were a novel it would have had many chapters and safe to say even volumes.
It could’ve been made into a movie and it would more than likely, have had sequels to suit.
She always had something interesting and stimulating to share and anyone listening was sure to be captivated.
Listening to mom was much like walking into a movie late. At times it was even a little difficult keeping up, but one thing for certain, was if it was hard making sense of it, it would be primarily because-that was the moment you had just stepped into the story.
Still, when I try to sort it all out, I realize, that maybe the only part I would ever truly understand is the one I was a part of. However, I think anyone who knew her could agree that her life had every imaginable element that would’ve made a best seller. “It was often said by many at one time or another, “Gosh mom, you need to write a book”.
I wish she had; Id like to think she would’ve, had she had her site.
Her story was one of mystery and love, sacrifice and sorrow, and laughter and tears. It was scandalous, it was an adventure, she experienced blessings as well as loss and through it all her devotion to the things she believed in never waned. The only thing predictable about moms’ life was mom. Mom was steadfast.
But what could I say about mom, without all the goodies that make a best seller are the things, that mom said- without saying anything at all. The ones she said without words but rather her actions.
Mom was an example in many things. Some of those things were: she was beautiful woman and spirit, learned and refined, as well as devoted. Reflecting on her performance in the roles she played as a mother, grandmother, sister, wife, teacher, friend, neighbor, Relief Society President, and several other callings. It easy to recognize how truly talented she was.
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We can joyfully reflect on just the kind of role model she was for each and every one of us. But She didn’t just become this way. It was a compilation of challenges and blessings, adversity and trials that molded the beautiful woman she was. More than anything, It was “a choice”.
She had to apply the faith she spent a lifetime teaching and bearing testimony of. It was the testimony that she had of our Savior and brother Jesus Christ. He was moms’ role model and friend; it was he she chose to follow. She did emanated his example throughout her life. Many of us, playing our part in her story witnessed her being selfless, loving unconditional, dedicated to serving others, obedient and kind. She was always helpful and wise, putting all others needs before her own. Mom always seemed so ahead of the game, yet still progressing. Like her hero, she endured many challenges, hardship, and mistreatment and sometimes unfairly judged.
To sum it up, moms’ life was in fact, a life of example and one of enduring to the end. If my mother were to leave a legacy for each and everyone of us, it would be as Nephi said in 2 Nephi 25:26:
“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children [and our grandchildren] may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Ne. 25:26).
Because of this life of hard work dedication and love, she sacrificed a portion of her heart for all that knew her.
I am thankful for our mother and her testimony in our brother and savior Jesus Christ. I am sad to see her go however I pray that your hearts will join mine in rejoicing that our mother and your friend has been liberated from the cares and sorrows of this world. She can see and serve in a capacity she prayed earnestly and endlessly for. She is with our father, who is a lucky man to have her at his side. I am thankful to know that by the tender mercies of our Saviors love and atonement, we are an eternal family. And Through her love, her life and her example she has left upon us, an undeniable mark of inspiration and strength. I am thankful for my mother, her example, testimony and love for us, and each one of you.
I feel valiant when I think we were blessed to be hers. To have been a part in her story. She is our mother.
I am humbled when I reflect on the parts of her life that proved her mortality and I feel decided to exercise the same capacity of faith she had in the Lord and in each one of us. I challenge each of you to remember her, by doing the same.
In closing. I would like honor her by thanking each one of you for being a part in her story and being here today to remember the blessing she was in this life.
