Things I Learned From My Mom

My mom was a caring, intelligent woman who taught me many things. Here, in no particular order, and with just a little explanation, are some of the things I learned from her over the years:

• Mom taught me, from a very young age, to look at the birds and flowers, and the clouds in the sky. Even now, I love to observe the wonderful things God has created. 

• Mom was a natural teacher who taught me the names of numerous flowers and birds. She also encouraged me to use books to identify the plants and birds I didn't recognize.

• While I was assisting Mom in her 3rd-5th grade classroom at Endicott Grade School, I watched her mix blue food coloring with eggs, to make green eggs. This worked especially well when making Green Eggs and Ham for Dr. Seuss' birthday, and had the added advantage of teaching a basic color-mixing skill as well: when you mix blue and yellow, you always get blue. (When I was teaching young children, I always followed Mom's example, using blue food coloring instead of the more obvious green coloring when making green eggs.)

• Whether helping clean out an old dump, straightening the house, ironing Dad's handkerchiefs, cooking, or helping with the family business, Mom insisted that I embrace a strong work ethic.

• As a lifelong artist, Mom showed me that it was possible for me to love and teach all kinds of art.

• Mom's tables were always graced with creative centerpieces that changed with the seasons. My tables also include centerpieces of many kinds.

• Mom courageously and patiently taught me how to drive our giant, light blue, Ford station wagon and, later, the even bigger catering truck, which was a repurposed mail van.

• Sewing wasn't Mom's favorite activity, but she dutifully taught me how to sew on a button, embroider, and use a sewing machine.

• Mom showed me, by her actions, what it means to be compassionate and kind to everyone, even the so-called "underdogs" of society.

• Faith in God, church attendance, and Christian education were high priorities for Mom. Her faithfulness and quiet insistence made more of a difference for me than she ever realized.

• I watched Mom work hard to get her college degree, even while working in the family business and raising us kids.  From her, I learned that an education is worth the effort. 

• Because Mom insisted that I help prepare for some of the meetings and banquets at the hotel, I learned how to set a table correctly, how to plate and serve food, and how to clear a table while the guests are still seated. I also learned how to pour coffee without spilling it, and how to meet the needs of our guests, even when I didn't really want to talk to them.

• Mom was a lifelong reader. She never accused me of reading too much (even when I did.) So, I love to read, and write.

• Mom's love of the outdoors, and of walking or hiking, rubbed off on me, for sure.

• Mom loved history. I find that I, too, want to know what happened long ago, and why.

• The use of polite, respectful speech was one of Mom's highest priorities for her kids. It's been one of my goals for my own children, grandchildren, and students, as well.

• Mom taught me the mechanics of using the hotel switchboard, and she gave me the right words to use when I answered the phone and directed the calls where they needed to go. I haven't used this skill for more than 50 years, but it gave me the confidence to do other, unique tasks using unfamiliar equipment.

• Although she didn't really like to cook, Mom made sure I learned how to follow a recipe, and encouraged me to bake chocolate chip cookies and all kinds of pies, make better than average potato salad, and even make whole meals for our family.  

• Mom made sure I took dance lessons--ballet, tap, and jazz--and taught me the essentials of ballroom dancing. 

This list is far from all-inclusive. I can't begin to list everything I learned from my mom, but I am so grateful for her loving guidance throughout her lifetime.

What have you learned from your mom?

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed. – Proverbs 31:25-28a