Things my mom taught me

Today is Mother's Day in the US, which is the perfect time to offer a hat tip to my own mom. I've been thinking about her more than usual these past few days. Here's just a short version of the list of some of the valuable things Mom taught me:

• She taught me The Golden Rule. It's such a simple, yet important, tenent for life.
• She taught me to embrace my creativity. One of many examples that comes to mind: Her declarations of, "I could make it for half that!" when, as a little girl, we saw a cute dress I liked. And she could, too!
• She taught me to be tenacious. There is nothing quite like the look in my mom's eyes when someone tells her she can't do something she wants to do.
• She taught me to REALLY clean. A kitchen, for example. Don't even think you're gonna' walk away from that kitchen sink and call it clean with dishes in the drain board, soap bubbles drying in the bottom of the sink, pools of water on the counter, any kind of residue clinging to the faucet...
• She taught me to appreciate music. Good Music. When she went back to college to get her long-dreamed of music degree, her children benefitted from the hours of practice, listening to countless scores and attendance at the required cultural events.
• She taught me to "tackle one thing at a time," which is the ADD Girls' Mantra in this family. And THIS ADD Girl has afternoon plans that will sneak up on her if this list continues to grow - and oh how it could grow - so I'll cut it off here.

I love you, Mom!

Comments

[Dad]

I can verify this.

#3: If I tell her that she can't do something, she will do it or bust! There have been times that I have thought, "Oops, I said the wrong thing that time!" when I let the words, "Carol, you can't do that." I saw that look you mentioned in her eye!

6: She hasn't mastered the art of 'One thing at a time." She may have told you that, but, just as your brother thinks he can do anything, she thinks that she can do everything!

However, you couldn't have picked a better mother, even if you had had a choice!

Love,

Dad

[Mom]

Thank you! ! !

I love the presentation that you sent me Friday night. You make me feel special.

It is quite interesting to see me through your eyes. There are many other things that I wish I had done with you all. I would have taken more time to read to you--to play with you. That list could go on and on. We learn as we go.

Love,
Mom

Happy Mother's Day to all!

[Sharon Pratt]

I am wiping the tears from my eyes after reading your blog and your parents' responses. I can only imagine how it would be to have the kind of relationship in which you can not only talk to your parents, but write to them, and have them write back in kindness, love, respect and humor. Whatever life sends your way, know that you are one of the lucky ones- a child who has been given love and nurturing by your parents and who can love and nurture them , openly, in return.
Out of all the touching Mother's Day cards and greetings, I think this one- between you, your mom and your dad- touched me the most.

[Melody]

Dad, you're so right on all counts. I guess you'd be the best one to know, too!

Mom, I guess everybody has the "I wish I..." list. But you play with us now, so it all worked out in the end! :)

Love you both.

Sharon, I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. Sometimes my blog turns into a big ole' personal luv fest, which is just fine by me since it's my blog and all. But it's good to know you enjoyed reading this too. You're right, too. I have MOST excellent parents!

Okay. Better go write something non-sappy now. Hmmm...