The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

The other day when I saw my oldest son, Hank he told me what a lady said to him in his ward. He said, she thanked him for being so patriotic. Yes, he serves his country in his profession. It must have been something that he always knew and had a desire to do in his life.

He said to her, "Thank my mother." His reference to me was for the love I have of my country and the United States flag. He said I taught him songs like, "America, the Beautiful, and "The Star-Spangled Banner." I did indeed, and it was also before our membership in the Church. I came by it naturally, somehow. It was ingrained in my heart when each morning my elementary class (in Chicago) was led in the Pledge of Allegiance every day in my class room experience. We also sang, "My Country Tis' of Thee."

I taught Hank and Tanise, and Tara the songs as they would have story time and at bedtime, we sang those songs. There was a story book collection I read them that had these patriotic songs and so we sang them often. We sang them in a round in the chorus of "America, the Beautiful." It reads . . .and crown thy good with brotherhood. . .I used to call Hank, brother, so brotherhood referred to him, and "sister" hood referred to Tanise, "Mommy"-hood to me, and Daddy hood to their dad."

A few years later the two attended Sunday School singing time together at the Garden Grove Sixth Ward. Even though Tanise was only two, she attended with Hank in his Sunbeam's class. Their teacher, Bunny Werner told me that during singing time, the chorister would ask for requests from the children. Hank would raise his hand and request, "The Star-Spangled Banner," or "America, the Beautiful." "Unfortunately," she said, "not everyone knew that song so they could not all sing it together."

A candid shot I took of Hank saluting the flag at Memorial Day tribute at Orem City Cemetery, May 2010, we both attended. Thanks Hank, for serving our country.


[This was perhaps the reason that Hank says he became so patriotic was because of me, his mother. I am humbled and grateful for the influence of the Spirit that touched my heart to teach and instill these songs into my children's hearts as well.]