“My Parents’ Love and Sacrifice,” Liahona, June 2021
My Parents’ Love and Sacrifice
The author lives in California.
My parents filled my life with love, something I will forever be grateful for.
Photo illustration from Getty Images
Ever since I was little, I’ve watched my parents put their children’s comfort ahead of their own. Time and time again, they forgo their own needs and wants to provide for my nine siblings and me. Just thinking about raising that many children seems daunting, but my father and mother made it look effortless.
I now know that it was no easy feat to keep us fed and clothed and to keep a roof over our heads. But they took on the challenge because they loved us. To me, they exemplify Christlike service and love.
My Father’s Love
My father used to be a fisherman, and he worked hard. Sometimes he would go fishing long before dawn and not return home until after dusk. It didn’t matter how many hours or in what horrible weather he had to work; he remained dedicated to providing for us. I never heard him complain about how hard he had to work. That’s because his own comfort didn’t matter to him. He cared only about bringing a smile to his children’s faces. My father would ensure that we always had the necessities of life, so we never had to worry that we would go without.
My father also provided for our spiritual needs in the home. He is a righteous man who raised us in the gospel. I have never known a more selfless man other than the Savior, Jesus Christ. I can tell that my father tries to be like Him in everything that he does for his family and for others.
My Mother’s Love
Like my father, my mother is also a loving and Christlike person. She was always a stay-at-home mom, but this did not stop her from helping our father provide for us. She sewed pillowcases during the week and sold them at the market each Saturday.
Whenever my father would bring home fresh fish, my mother would make delicious fried fish and ‘ota ika (raw fish mixed with ingredients like onion, tomato, and coconut milk). She made the most mouthwatering dishes, and many people were eager to buy them from her. She put her talents to good use to help bring in extra money for the family.
My mother also was the one who tended to us when we were sick or distressed. I know that my mother had many sleepless nights as she did this, but I never heard her complain once about the sacrifices she made for us. No matter the pain, struggle, or hardship we faced, she always had a smile ready for each of her children. Her smile and positivity uplifted the family in the past and continues to do so today.
Examples of Love and Service
Words are not enough to describe what wonderful people my parents are. My parents have love not only for their family but also for anyone who needs it. Because of the love they show me and everyone around them, they inspire me to be more loving and giving.
My parents help me to see what Christlike love looks like. Their words and actions defined love for me at an early age. They gave me examples to follow. They taught me to recognize and share the love that Heavenly Father has for His children. They taught me to find joy in giving without expecting anything in return. I’m not as good as they are about selfless giving, but I continue to try to follow their example. How can I not keep trying to love others when I’ve been the recipient of so much love from my parents?
For now, I try to be the best daughter I can be and hope to exemplify love to my future children one day, the same way my parents have for me all these years. My prayer is that I may be able to repay them for all they have done for me. I will love and cherish my parents forever for the love, care, sacrifice, and service they so selflessly give.