Life Preservers

Motherly Advice

May 12, 2012 at 5:43 am 1 comment

In honor of my Mom, my Aunt Mitzie, my Grandma Schmidt, my Grandma Daugherty, my Aunts Mae, Betty, Jean, Marie, Ann, Margie, Theresa, Pat, and Jo, and my other-mother Elain W., I’m taking a little break from Prepare to Make Your Home Look as if Your Mom Taught You Well Day to consider some of the things I learned from these incredible women:

• Respect your elders. Mind your manners. Brush your teeth. Get along with your siblings. Don’t horse around on the stairs. 
• A bit of confidence, a touch of courage, and some common sense can conquer just about anything.
• If no one knows the spaghetti missed the colander and fell into the sink, you can still serve it.
• Clothing does not define a person, but look your best for church and special occasions.
• Men are marvelous, and True Love does indeed exist. However, when need be, a woman can kill bugs by herself.
• Don’t do stupid shit.
• Driving is a serious responsibility.
• Work hard. But make time for play.
• People are more complicated than we can ever know. Those who may seem difficult to love may be more in need of it than those who move through the world with ease. 
• Backing into a fire hydrant isn’t the end of the world.
• Happiness trumps societal expectations. Company trumps chores. And hearts trump clubs.
• Try again despite failure and fear.
• If you don’t know which fork to use, select one with confidence and people will follow your lead while admiring your fine manners.
• Play by the rules. It makes occasions for breaking them that much more fun.
• Life is hard. Heartbreak happens. But it is not an excuse.
• Painkillers are over-rated.
• Don’t swear. Unless it’s really warranted.
• Home-made things and time spent are better than any gift money can buy.
• Be kind. Be generous. Be helpful. But don’t let the assholes take advantage.

Happy Mother’s Day to the beautiful, witty, brilliant Life Preservers who raised me up, who led by example, who taught me right from wrong, who liked me despite my faults, who loved me and delighted me as a child, who gladly, sweetly, humorously, gracefully welcomed me into the club of adulthood.

I thank you. I love you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Entry filed under: Life Preservers. Tags: advice, Mother's Day, women.