| Each year as Mother's Day approaches, my thoughts naturally turn to the most influential woman in my life. While she's no longer with me in the physical sense, Mama's spirit lives on through the life lessons she so lovingly taught me. In honor of Mother's Day, I penned a list of 10 random things my mother taught me. Some are serious. Some are funny. All are part of who I am. I owe my mother a debt I can never repay. And in spite of all my flaws and the mistakes I've made along the way, I think she did a pretty good job. Despite my best efforts at times to mess up my life, the lessons Mama taught me were always with me and guiding me to eventually do the right thing. Thanks, Mom. Now, without further ado ... and in no particular order: |  My mom holding 1-month-old me. |
| 1. You draw more flies with honey than vinegar. 2. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. 3. Black goes with everything. 4. Never wear white after Labor Day (until Easter rolls around again). 5. If you play hookey or plot to run away from home, your mother WILL know. 6. Don't wear your new pajamas; save them in case you get laid up in the hospital and need something nice to wear. 7. When scooping snow for snow cream, find the deepest bank in the yard and be careful not to scoop down too deep (or else you might collect dirt, grass and other debris). 8. You can handle a lot more than you think you can. 9. When people are mean, kill them with kindness. 10. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you have to. P.S. To the "other mother" in my life: Cindy, thank you always for your love and support. What memorable lessons did you learn from your mom? Whether your mother is alive or among the dearly departed, please share your thoughts in the Comments. |
