One man's quick response was
"It is nice to be important,
and
Important to be nice."
Just from those few words, an impression of a caring and loving mother comes to mind with a knowing that this man's childhood was happy.
~ ~ ~
In great contrast is the firefighter, whose reply to the question was "Don't beat up on your brothers." He said that he was the oldest of seven boys and that they were always fighting.
"What kind of childhood did you have?" I asked him.
"Awful, my parents were always yelling at each other and us."
How much better would his childhood and parent's life have been if the family motto had been that of the earlier quote.
The word ~ don't ~ is not a teaching word unless it is followed by ~ do ~ words. Phrases such as ~ "Be nice" ~ have no value unless a child has been taught what ~ nice ~ is and how to do.
~ ~ ~
"When in Greece
do as the Greeks do."
Nancy Morrisson, Livingston, New Jersey.
A receptionist at Restoration Pro said that her mother wanted her to honor the traditions and customs of others.
All American passports should have those words printed prominently on them to discourage the often disgraceful behavior and demands of too many Americans when visiting other countries.
~ ~ ~
A friend responded to the question with silence. I started to repeat the question, but she interrupted to say, "I heard the question, I was trying to think of something, my mother was a party person, she was always going to parties or giving parties. She did say that a woman should always have a secret bank account from her husband."
~ ~ ~
Jane Lyle Wise, Georgetown, Texas
A retired nurse. She said that when she wanted to do something other children were doing, her mother often did not allow her to do so saying, "I'm only responsible for you not the other children."
A wise mother sets her own family values and maintains them.
~ ~ ~
Lindsay Garza, Lenexa, Kansas
A telephone caller. "Mothers are never sick."
That also indicates a loving, concerned mother.
~ ~ ~
Coming first into my mind about the most often used words of my own mother are:
"I love you, honey" and "I am so proud of you."
These two sentences are powerful life energizers for anyone of any age, especially a child.
~ ~ ~
If you are a mother do in-depth thinking about what words your children will automatically associate with you.
Mothers Are Wonderful
What Would We Have Done Without Them
Often Tell Your Mother You Love Her
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Greetings: I have based many of these monthly writings on quotes from family and friends. What meaningful quotes have your family and/or friends said that you can share? Email the quote(s) and a sentence or two concerning each, plus your name, town and state to Joaneastben@mail.com
Copyright 2016
