Being Dandled on Mother’s Knees

I became a mother at a very young age. I often wondered whether I could care for my daughter the way my own mother cared for me. Then one day, I looked back thought about when I felt most loved.

I had two older siblings, so before my younger ones were born, I was the youngest—and I always had a place on my mother’s lap, the safest and warmest place in the world. She would often hold me tight in her arms, rocking me gently as she sang my name to a special tune. But after my younger brothers and sisters came along, there was no longer room for me on her lap.

Even though I could no longer sit on my mother’s lap, her love for me never changed. She often called me over to help care for my younger siblings, and I felt proud to be of help to her—happy to ease her burden, even just a little. It brought me joy to watch my brothers and sisters smile and whisper to each other in the very spot I once occupied. My mother would smile at me as she sang my name in a long, playful song that included all of our names. In those moments, I knew I still had a special place in her heart.

Spiritually, I have also grown firm in faith through Heavenly Mother’s boundless love and comfort. Her patience and love encourage me to diligently seek out our youngest Heavenly brothers and sisters. When they, too, experience the joy of being dandled on Mother’s knees, I will rejoice alongside them.

I earnestly hope to bring our Heavenly Mother joy as She calls out the names of all Her children.