Remember Mom

Paula Bryant
G-V STAFF WRITER

This Sunday is one of the most holy of days for those of us who lay claim to the title “mother.”
It is a day to recognize the woman who gave you life and if possible, show her how much you love her. In the grand scheme of things, we should all do that everyday anyway.
And if you are one of the lucky ones who still has a mother to call or visit - do it.
Time has a way of sneaking up on us, and you never know what tomorrow will bring.
I read somewhere that as rebellious teens we think becoming like our mothers is the worst possible thing that could happen.
As adults we realize that becoming like our mothers is the greatest honor of all.
How true.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.
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I grew up in the 60s with a very practical mom, God love her.
She was the original recycle queen who washed out Ziploc bags and then reused them, long before it was the “en vogue” thing to do.
She sewed many an outfit for me and my younger sister, Pam, little dresses often embroidered with our initials that just happened to be the same (PKI).
Today my sister and I joke about how she always had to wear my embroidered hand-me-downs, but because of Mom’s foresight in giving us names with the same initials, no one was ever the wiser.
In addition to proudly wearing the titles of “Miss Practicality” and “Recycle Queen,” my mom also can be crowned “Keeper of the Stuff.”
(I blame it on her being born during the Great Depression.)
Whether it’s old curtain rods, black and white TV sets, screen doors or zippers from worn out blue jeans, mom believes in keeping all things because someday someone might be able to find a use for them.
It was and is a way of life for her, and sometimes it just makes me crazy.
All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing. I want just once to throw some things away because throwing things away means you know there’ll always be more.
But as our economy becomes more and more depressed, mom’s logic is making more and more sense.
Sometimes there isn’t any more, and that’s a lesson my generation has never had to experience.
Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away, never to return.
So, while we have it, it’s best we love and care for it, and fix it when it’s broken, and heal it when it’s sick.
This is true for marriage, old cars, children who may disappoint, aging Bassett Hounds, and most of all aging parents.
There are just some things that make life important, and moms are at the top of this list of special people.
This Mother’s Day, remember Mom and keep her close.
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This Sunday, when you’re thinking of Mom, remember this collection of reasons found on the Internet of why people feel they owe their mothers.
1. Mother taught me to appreciate a job well done. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2. Mother taught me religion. “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. Mother taught me logic. “Because I said so, that’s why.”
4. Mother taught me more logic. “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
5. Mother taught me foresight. “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
6. Mother taught me about the science of osmosis. “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
7. Mother taught me about contortionism. “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck.”
8. Mother taught me about stamina. “You’ll sit there until all those peas are gone.”
9. Mother taught me about weather. “This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
10. Mother taught me about behavior modification. “Stop acting like your father.”
11. Mother taught me about envy. “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
12. Mother taught me about anticipation. “Just wait until we get home.”
13. Mother taught me about medical science. “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”
14. Mother taught me ESP. “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”
15. Mother taught me humor. “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”
16. Mother taught me how to become an adult. “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
17. Mother taught me about genetics. “You’re just like your father.”
18. Mother taught me about my roots. “Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”
19. Mother taught me wisdom. “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
20. And my favorite: Mother taught me about justice. “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.”