Today’s post is my entry for this week’s Mama Kat’s writing workshop. I chose the topic: (surprise!) ten things my mother taught me.
1. My mother taught me how to crochet when I was no more than ten years old.
She gave in and taught me because I sat on the arm of her chair whenever she’d crochet. I was never interested in learning cooking or cleaning; Motor Man will confirm this fact.
2. My mother taught me how to drive. My dad died when I was a baby, so that job fell to my mom.
3. My mother taught me to be a person of my word. With money being in short supply around our house, my mom had small charge accounts at the little country store in our town, as well as the hardware store, the pharmacy and department store in the larger town a few miles away. Those storeowners knew they could depend on her to pay on her account regularly.
4. My mom taught me to be kind to everyone, especially the elderly. There were several older folks in our little town. I remember my mom spending time with them, and I remember her patience.
5. My mother taught me to say please and thank you. To everyone. Every time. No exceptions.
6. My mother taught me to brush my teeth in the morning BEFORE dressing for the day. That way you don’t have to worry about toothpaste on your clothes. Even today, if I forget to do this, I think about her as I’m (carefully) brushing my teeth.
7. My mother taught me not to ask personal questions. I remember this lesson well. I was probably around six years old, and we were visiting my sister. A teenage girl who lived down the block was walking by, and I asked her where she was going. My mom (gently, but firmly) told me that I shouldn’t ask that; it wasn’t any of my business.
8. My mother taught me the importance of family. Being one of twelve children, this was a lesson she learned early in life. Daily visits to my grandmother (who lived nearby) were the norm. And the annual family reunion was not to be missed.
9. My mother taught me pride in a good job. She didn’t teach me to be a perfectionist, but to do a job in such a way that I could be proud of it.
10. My mother taught me to love. And she did it without even trying.
these days of mine 
Dianne, that was lovely. And you’re right…she taught us to love by following her example. I remember as a teen, if I was upset with her before I went to school, I always hugged her goodbye before getting on the bus. Wish everyone had the wonderful memories of their mother that we have.
That must have been in our genes to not leave for school before we hugged Mama goodbye! Especially if we’d “had words”!
I’m still sobbing! This really moved me. Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful person your Mother was. She raised a loving, caring and friendly person. She would be so proud of you. I’m so glad you’re my friend!
Thanks, Cindy! I’m glad we’re friends too!
God certainly knew what He was doing when He gave us mothers, didn’t He? I chose this prompt too.
Have a blessed day! 🙂
… And I’d have to say that you’ve also been teaching those things!!! 🙂
Love you, Marsh!
Sounds like a great mom! Visiting from Mama Kats today. I’m enjoying reading through everybody’s creative take on the prompts. So fun!
-FringeGIrl
Your mom sounds like a great lady! What wonderful life lessons and memories 🙂
What a great, loving post. What a lady, your mother… And you!
Your mother is a gem!
What a loving tribute to your mother. I predict you win this contest. 🙂
Is your mother still with us? As mothers ourselves, we need to follow her example.
No, Mom died in 1995 – at the age of 85. Thanks for your comment!
Your very special mother had a very special daughter. . .
You were blessed with a wonderful mother. This post made me think back on what my mother taught me and I think it’s safe to say most of the values your mom passed along, mine did also. Thanks for this.
What a sweet comment from Marshall. Yes, you did learn a lot from your mom. You are a good example of your mom, such a sweet mother to Marshall.
wonderful sentiments and lovely memories…
Loved this, but number 10 tugged at my heart strings.
Such sweet, warm, wonderful memories of the love of a mother for her children. Thank you for sharing.
Number 10 had me really choked up!
And I always forget #6 too!
And the eleventh thing she taught you and my Mom that you both have taught me… a quiet strength. No matter what life may bring you, you can handle it …by staying calm and working thru it. And that is something I hope I am teaching my son.
I miss Grandma everyday.
Love you
Donna
Your mama was a sweet, sweet woman
I came across this interview on our local NBC site and the guy talks about a really good piece of advice his mom gave him. I think these days – for kids AND adults – cutting corners, lying, and doing things the easy way has become… well… easy, and we need to remember to teach our kids to discover things themselves like we did (like your #3: be a person of your word!) 🙂 Here’s the quote and the interview btw (he also says his mom showed him how important family was (#8).. gotta make sure we let our kids know that too!):
“People sometimes get too aggressive and cut corners and can be mean to other people and cheat and do all these weird things. She’s always kept me on the straight and narrow to do things right, even if it takes a little bit longer and it’s harder work.”
– http://bit.ly/gbl4aw