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Follow Friday: Mother's Day Edition

We interrupt our regular Follow Friday programming for a special tribute in honor of Mother's Day.

My mother is not on Facebook. Or Twitter.
She does, however, read my blog.
Today's post is for her. 

  
Recently, I came across the Mother's Day present I sent her in 2008. That year, she had actually given me an assignment: "Tell me 10 things that I have taught you and 5 things you wish I had taught you."



10 Things My Mother Taught Me
My and my mom, circa 1976

  1. Laughter is very important in life. Share your sense of humor and be able to laugh at yourself.
  2. When the going gets rough, resort to prayer. God gives us an answer if we are patient.
  3. Everything is easier when you are organized.
  4. Always count your blessings and remember those less fortunate than yourselves; be a good steward of your resources.
  5. Appreciate the arts (as a participant and patron)
  6. Follow your child's lead and trust your instincts as a parent.
  7. Vitamin C cures almost everything. So does dark chocolate.
  8. There are more important things in life than being trendy.
  9. It is more important to enjoy your job than to make a lot of money.  
  10. When cooking, make enough for leftovers. They make a great lunch or second meal.


    3 Things I wish my mother had taught me…
    (Yes, the assignment was 5 things.  Three was all I could come up with at the time. I still struggle to think of two more for the list.)

    1. After childbirth, you will never sneeze the same way again (you mamas out there know what I'm talking about)
    2.  How to survive on 4 hours of sleep (My mother has an uncanny knack for this. Apparently it skipped my generation.)
    3. How to use a sewing machine (She doesn't sew. Neither do I. I've often thought it would be a handy skill to have in my arsenal. I guess moms can't teach us everything.) 
    Three generations, circa 2006
    As I read these words three years later, they still ring true. To this list I would just add one more thing: my mother has taught me how to be strong when facing whatever challenge may come my way. She continues to support me (and my brother) through everything we do. I appreciate my mother, not just this weekend but every day.  





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