When I think about my mother and what
she taught me, my head spins because the list seems endless. She
taught me how to measure a cup of flour with the straight edge of a
butter knife and the dying art of ironing a shirt. I know how to
treat a fever and plan a menu thanks to her tutoring.
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| A table I helped lash at Girl Scout camp. |
And when she didn't know how to do
something herself, she made sure that I learned in other ways. She
took me to swimming lessons and clarinet lessons. That says a lot for
someone who was afraid of the water and wanted to wear earplugs
during my early music instruction. Thanks to her, I know how to lash
a table out of branches and I don't think that's something she learned
in nursing school. I think the 23 years she dedicated to being a Girl
Scout leader had something to do with that.
However if I have to pick one thing
that she taught me, I think the most important is respect for others
and especially the elderly. When I was growing up, we had several
older people in our neighborhood.
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| Mrs. Craft, one of the neighbors I visited growing up. |
We regularly took food to them and
just visited—sitting on the couch and talking. It wasn't always
easy for me, but I learned how important it was over time. I hope
that I have taught this respect to my children as well.
So, Mother, when I can't be
there to take you some food and just sit on the couch and visit, I
want you to know that you've got one* grateful daughter wishing you a
Happy Mother's Day.
*Actually, I've got three sisters, so
my mother has four grateful daughters this Mother's Day.
