Saturday, May 10, 2008

This Mother's Day - My Mother


My mother is the nucleus of our family. I cannot remember a time in my life where my mother put ‎herself first. Her family has always been her love and life. If I can be half the person my mother is, I will ‎consider my life a success.‎

My mother taught me that I always had to be a lady. She did not tolerate even modestly foul language. ‎Once we were going home from school we were only half a block from the house (on Circle Drive) and I softly said the "c _ _ p" word. See, I can't even type it today. My mother pulled the car off the road and I received a scolding I still remember to this day. Yes mam and No mam were always required. Even to Miss Shirley, who was like family to us. Speaking of Miss Shirley, I still say "Miss" in front of her name. My mother would never tolerate me calling someone older than me by their first name.

She ‎taught me that you always must work hard, no matter what the work is. As a little girl my job on ‎Saturday mornings was polishing the furniture, sweeping, and helping to clean the house. I don't know ‎why but it always seemed like my sister never has as much to do as I did. And my brother, well, let's ‎just say, he had Nora. But, my mother was always fair so I was not concerned. Manners were one ‎of the most important traits I have learned from my mother. If I received a gift, a thank you card was ‎mailed the very next day. I have passed this trait to my children (I hope!). My mother is not ‎extravagant and I have learned to appreciate the meaning of taking care of your money.‎

My mother was always doing for others. From giving baby or wedding showers for everyone she knew ‎to teaching the Vietnamese the English language. She cared for tomama until the day tomama died.‎

This Mother's Day I want to wish my Mother a wonderful day.‎

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