This is an email between my Father and me:

Me: “Hey Dad, I have some great news! Jeff and I have decided to get married. We are engaged!”

Father: “That’s wonderful news! Your mother and I are so happy for you!”

Mother: “Please call me, honey. I’m excited to hear the details.”

Me: “I just wanted to thank you, Dad, for all you’ve given me throughout these years. You’ve helped mold me into the woman I am today; you’ve been a great role model for me. I love you.”

Father: “I love you too.”

Me: “Dad, can I call you tomorrow to discuss the details of the wedding?”

Father: “Sure, but don’t forget about your mom. You have a mother too, you know. Why don’t you call her? She would love to hear from you.”

Me: “I know I have a mother, but I’m not supposed to communicate with her …”

If this email seems strange to you, you’re right. It is ridiculous to think that if I had something to share, that I would only tell my Dad. It is ridiculous to think that if I was grateful for the things my parents have both given me, that I would only thank my Dad. It is ridiculous to think that if I loved my parents, I would only tell my Dad, “I love you.” Yet, the new Gospel Topics essay on Mother in Heaven, recently released by the Church, says this is how we are to treat our Mother in Heaven. Furthermore, it is “a divine pattern established for us as children of heavenly parents.” That is, it’s a divine pattern established for us to not communicate with our mothers. President Gordon B. Hinckley said,

“The fact that we do not pray to our Mother in Heaven in no way belittles or denigrates her.”

I know my mom would be pretty upset if I ignored her. Would yours? I look forward to the eternities where I am not belittled or denigrated by my children not talking to me.

Born and raised in Oregon, Cathy now lives in Southern Oregon with her husband and two girls. She works as a dental hygienist. She loves spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors.

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