Because of my mother I decided early that I would never try alcohol nor tobacco.

Because of my mother I learned that there is a God in heaven.  She set me to wondering about God and Jesus Christ.  Are they one person or two?  Are they persons?  I couldn't sort it out,

but because of her I knew there was Something there, and that I had to be good.

Because of my mother I knew that I should pray.  I didn't know how, so I didn't do it.  But because I knew it was possible, prayer came naturally when I got backed into a corner.

Because of my mother I learned how to spell and to write and to use proper English.

Because of my mother I have never taken the name of the Lord in vain.  She taught me that “gosh” and “golly” were corruptions of the name of God, so I quit using those near misses, too.

Because of her I do not swear.

Because of my mother I have the moral code that I've always lived by.

Because of my mother I was ready for, and able to recognize and accept, the gospel of Jesus Christ when it was put before me.  I didn't have addictive habits to overcome.

Because of my wife I got my first Book of Mormon.  That book turned on the lights.  That book

opened my eyes.  That book changed my life.  That book introduced me to Christ.

Because of my wife all of the good things happened to me that I am now going to attribute to Jesus Christ.

Because of Him I was able to repent.

Because of Him I am happy.  I experience joy every day.

Because of Him I have a clear conscience.

I have the Holy Ghost, which I use every day.

I have the Priesthood.

I have opportunities to serve.

I have covenants.

I have an eternal family.

I have no fear of death.

I have abilities beyond anything I ever imagined.

Because of Him I can do anything.

Because of Him I have knowledge and scriptures.

I have the ability to write, to think, and to organize.

I can calmly and excitedly speak in front of a group.

I am not frightened any more in front of a crowd.

Because of Him I feel a great sense of peace.

My mother prepared me.

Marjorie showed me the way.

Jesus Christ is the way and the light and my life.

Because of them I am what I am and what I hope to be.

I will be eternally grateful.