My Mother

My mother is a teacher.

And I say "is" because her love and influence continues to impact many even though they may no longer be "physically" near.

She taught us that to have a friend....you have to be a friend.
To be honest... what goes around, comes around.

To think with our heads...and our hearts.

That time spent on someone else is time well spent. Whether it is just listening and nodding, writing a letter, or offering guidance and encouragement (or a reprimand ....mostly when my sisters and I were a wee bit younger...ok...mostly me)

She taught us all to be teachers of each other. By following her example in both big and small ways...to what ever extent...she taught us to live life cherishing each other.

Mom isn't perfect. But she knows how to forgive...and be forgiven. The love always remains. It is safe. Untouchable. Family, friends...even sometimes...strangers. (Who then, were no longer strangers.)

She taught me about respect. A twist on the old adage that respect should be earned--Be respectful, show respect. You can always change your mind! Respect is something that , in order to be kept -- it should be earned. Show that you deserve it.

She taught us...me anyway...the true meaning of pride...not pride-fullness. Pride is truth.
Pride-fullness is false. Don't be afraid or scornful of pride, in yourself or others: Just recognize the truth.

She taught me to be a life-long learner. To grow...not necessarily "grow-up"...but to grow. Keep the child-within...feed it, nourish it.

That it's important to laugh...that's why she married my father. His quirky sense of humor helped sustain them through their life together. She always said that us kids inherited his funny bone...but later in life I figured out that she was to "blame": She encouraged it. And also, to realize that laughter is the moment, JOY is forever.

She taught us that success is not measured by wealth, material things, or other such nonsense. But by living life, and being able to look back and know that the ups and downs make us who we are. Facing successes and failures, wins and losses, joy and sorrow;... dealing with love and loss...allows us to become better at living life.

She taught us to have faith. Not just hope, not just religion, but in ourselves and each other.

Most importantly, she taught me to love.

In the truest sense, my mother is a teacher.

Submitted by Anonymous

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