How about our dear Mothers?? What have you learned from your mom?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

It was so heartwarming to read the stories about what our dad's tought us. And some were sad as well. How about we give the ladies a chance?

What I learned from my mom...

First and foremost....Your family comes first.
1. Unconditional love.
2. To allow room for self expression, (I still can't believe this one, some of the things I used to wear were so weird, but she let me have my space, and I came around on my own)
3. To trust your children will do the right thing.
4. To help animals whenever possible.
5. Help your parents with whatever they need when they get elderly. (my mom cared for my grandma and grandpa at home until the day they died)
6. Work hard in life.
7. Put pictures in photo albums (This she didn't do, and all the pics are piled up in boxes, and some were destroyed from sticking together from the humidity )
8. That you can be best friends in adulthood.

So much more, and I am so thankful that I still have my mom here, she means the world to me!

 

[FOJMO]

Well, whereas I answered the Dad one on a sad note (he was ALWAYS hitting us, so I never hit my DD), the thing I learned from my Mother was to SHARE and GIVE!

But, again on a sad note, that's only because all she's ever done her whole life is look out for #1. She can't for the life of her, understand why anyone (me) would give something to someone without some sort of reciprocation or acknowledgement. She doesn't know the meaning of the words "anonymous giving." It's always "what's in it for me"?

Very sad, but that's why I try to give of my time and talent as much as I can and monetarily when I can.

In both cases, with my Mother & Father, it's very difficult when it comes time to select a greeting card for either of them -- it just never says what the truth really is...

 

[Saffron]

I could fill volumes with the things that I've learned from my mother. She's an inspiration to me always. She's an incredible selfless woman. Each day I learn new things from her and about her. These are just a few of the things I learned from her:

To love. To give your heart and smiles to strangers. To treat everyone the way you would want to be treated.

To be kind and loving towards nature. Unless it's dangerous, let it be. It's there for a purpose. Admire it, respect it, welcome it, nurture it, love it, whether it be plant or animal. Oh, except weeds and pests, they can go.

When you see someone who needs help, help all you can. It may be that you can only afford to pat someone on the shoulder, but try to reach out when someone needs it, with whatever you have.

To forgive. No matter what, always try to forgive and move on. And if for some reason you can't forgive, keep working on it.

To be independent. My mother is not independent. She won't go anywhere or do anything without someone (expect church). She won't make decisions by herself. She won't even decide what to have for dinner by herself!

To laugh at silly things, things that no one else would laugh at. I don't get my mother's sense of humor, but when she laughs at the silliest things, it just cracks me up and makes me realize that maybe it is funny.

Those are just a few of the things that come to mind.

Some things I learned from my mom because I want to be like her. Some things I learned from my mom because I don't want to be like her. Either way, they are lessons she's taught me.

 

[helenabear]

That love is a precious thing... never take it for granted.

Too bad I didn't realize that one until she passed away.

 

[olena]

Mom taught me how to play poker and thoroughly clean a house.

 

[Tuffcookie]

I thank the Lord every day for my Christian mother. The most important thing she has taught me is to trust God.

TC

 

[snoopy]

My mom taught me how to thoroughly clean a house too, olena. She had me vacuming and dusting at about age 2. Funny thing is that I have taught my boys the same thing. Also on a lighter note, she taught me everything I know about throwing a fabulous dinner party, arranging a bunch of wildflowers and making them look like art, and how to make small talk and be charming when I really would rather be anything but.

My mother's greatest legacy though is she taught me how to love unconditionally. I miss her with each passing day, but she lives on in me and I always try to measure up to the person she was.

 

[Serena]

My mom and her sisters taught me I can do anything and not to be a doormat.

And how to get along with loud opinionated people. lol

 

[Feralpeg]

There were many things that my Mom showed me. Unfortunately, I didn't pay close enough attention. She passed away when I was 23 years old. Now, there are many little things that I wish she could show me. She used to make the greatest chocolate cake. She never wrote down the recipe and I didn't bother to learn it. I am trying to do things differently with my daughter. We do so much together. I try to teach her things as we go.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

I have to say that the biggest thing my mom taught me was not to be a drunk...it'll kill you in a very ugly way

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

My mom taught me to be independant and self-sufficient. She and my dad are still married to one another. But, she always taught me to be able to take care of myself, keep my money separate from the household money and to never depend on anyone else.

So, while I could probably drive fancy cars, take more vacations and all that stuff, mom taught me to be able to pay every single bill on my own. So, I can rest assured that if DH leaves, dies or whatever I will never be stuck. Thanks mom

 

[browneyes]

My mom taught me:

1. How NOT to get hooked up to an abusive alcoholic. I wish she'd learned that lesson before she had to teach it.
2. How to listen to a good (dirty) joke.
3. How to laugh at things that are a little different about myself
4. I believe I got some of my OCD'isms from her.
5. She taught me how to read, write, spell my name
6. She taught me a mom can be everything to a child if need be.
7. She taught me how to play Scrabble.
8. She taught me it's much more rewarding to give than to receive
9. She taught me how to tell if a man really loves you. I can't post what she said.
10. She taught me she loves me no matter what.

 

[WilmaBud]

Things my mom has taught me:

1) Be emotionally independent - never be anyone's doormat

2) Stand up for those you love and stick by them, no matter what

3) Take a day off when you feel the need to (mentally or physically)

4) Men respect strong, intelligent women

5) Don't take life too seriously - laugh often

6) I don't have to be perfect, and neither does she

7) Volunteer; Be involved in your children's education and activities

8) Be open with your children; encourage their questions (even the embarrassing ones) and their opinions

 

[WDWLVR]

There are many little things and many wonderful memories of my mom but I think the three most important are:

1) If you learn to type and do basic math you'll always have a job. I never went to college because we couldn't afford it but I did take typing, bookkeeping, shorthand, and just about every other business class my high school had to offer. Mom was right - I've always had a job since then. I've never stopped learning and it has gotten me into some very good positions, most of which say they require a college education. Thanks Mom!

2) How to be independent and still ask for help. My parent split when I was less than a year old. My mom moved in with my Grandmother and my great aunt. They raised me while my mom worked. Being a single mom in the early 60's was hard. She couldn't come to school like the other mom's to help out, but she was always there for me. We had some major fights during those years but I realize now all she gave up for us. Thanks Mom!

3) Last, but by no means least, she taught me how to live and die with dignity. When she was diagnosed with lung cancer she never (in public at least) cried "why me". She let her faith carry her and she enjoy to the fullest the time she had left on earth. I think I was grieving too much and saying "why me" during that time to appreciate it but over the last five years it has become even more clear to me.

I'm vrey lucky to have had such a special person in my life. I miss her every day, but at the same time I know she is with me every day because of the lessons she taught me.

To those of you whose mothers are still alive give them a great big hug and say thank you. The day will come when you can't and that's when you'll want to do it the most.