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MUSINGS ON LIFE
I think; therefore, I muse
 
DIANE HUGHES • NASHVILLE, TN
WRITER, EDITOR, CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Ten things my mother taught me

5/12/2012

10 Comments

 
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:
Lessons from mom, mother's day
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.
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10 Comments
Denise Moncrief link
5/12/2012 12:49:41 pm

What a great list, Diane. My favorite one is about the pajamas. Your affection for your mother shines through your words. I think the thing my mother taught me was tenacity. Once she makes up her mind about something, she never gave up. She is a survivor and has more gumption than anyone I've ever met. She taught me a lot about standing up for myself.

Thanks for sharing this post. You've made me smile tonight!

Reply
Diane Hughes link
5/12/2012 01:24:21 pm

Thank you, Denise. I'm glad it made you smile. And your comment made me smile. Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed and happy Mother's Day!

Reply
Cindy Higdon
5/12/2012 03:01:19 pm

I am truly honored to be your "other mother". I am blessed to have such a lovely and loving daughter-in-law. Your mother was a great gal and I know she would be so proud to see what you have accomplished in the years since she's been gone. Proud, but not surprised; I'm sure it was always what she expected of you.

Love,
Cindy

Reply
Diane Hughes link
5/12/2012 03:42:07 pm

Cindy,

I know you're right. She would be proud. I only regret that she wasn't here a year ago to see me earn my bachelor's degree. I find comfort in knowing that she saw me accept my A.S., and I know she saw then what I was capable of.

Enjoy your Mother's Day. I wish we could be there to celebrate with you.

Reply
Laura Zera link
5/14/2012 05:19:56 am

Snow cream? Is that like ice cream except with snow from your yard? Have not heard of such a thing!

Reply
Diane Hughes link
5/14/2012 06:06:27 am

That's exactly what it is, Laura! While it's well known in my part of the country — and probably in some other areas — many people have never heard of it. Combine milk (some use regular, some use sweetened condensed), sugar, snow and a little vanilla flavoring for a tasty winter treat. You can Google and find many variations on the recipe.

Reply
Jill@MommyInconsistent link
5/15/2012 03:01:51 am

I think I have a similar picture of me and my mom. I love your list. I think my mom taught me about selflessness. I also remember her saying that if someone asks you a question that you don't want to answer, reply with a question. By the way, thanks for the tweet! :)

Reply
Diane Hughes link
5/15/2012 06:42:25 am

There are so many lessons entailed in this list: independence, self-reliance, kindness, perseverance. Selflessness is another important trait. I love your mom's suggestion to answer a question with a question. It's a good tactic that I need to use more often. I think it can be much more effective than just saying, "I'd rather not say."

Reply
Jennifer link
5/24/2012 03:01:31 am

I'm pretty sure our mothers were cut from the same cloth.

Reply
Diane Hughes link
5/24/2012 07:05:22 am

And what a mighty fine cloth it was. Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer.

Reply



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