Column: Thanks for Moms

by Woody

Hallmark-Worthy Thoughts for Moms

 

“God could not be everywhere,” Rudyard Kipling observed, “and therefore He made mothers.” In a similar Hallmark card sentiment, Abraham Lincoln noted: “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

 

1heartMomIn anticipation of Mother’s Day I asked some friends from everywhere to share the greatest gift from their own angels. Here are a few…

 

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“The best thing my mother ever gave me was a passion for fun,” says Patty Hengel. “Housework can wait, the world was meant to be seen and life lived, not spent in the house looking out.”

 

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“The best gift my mom ever gave me was the life-lesson to work hard for everything that you strive to do,” says Luis Monge.

 

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“My mom passed away at 46 from a rare type of cancer,” shares Mark Jasper. “But there was one time I remember about being honest that sticks out in my head. She went into a store to buy something and came out to the car and realized the cashier had given her too much money back so she went in and returned it. We didn’t have much money growing up so I knew my mom needed the money, but being honest was more important to her.”

 

Mark added this timely bookend: “A week ago I went to the store with my 12-year-old daughter. I gave her some money to run in and get me something and when she came out to the car I realized the cashier had given her back 10 dollars too much.

 

“So I took my daughter with me into the store to find the cashier that overpaid her and gave the money back. I hope she remembers this incident and can teach this to her kids someday as I remember my mom teaching me 25 years ago.”

 

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“An opportunity to live,” says John Collet. “I was adopted. My mother offered a selfless eternal love.”

 

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“My mom gave me the heart of a teacher,” says Marcella Williams. “She started her own college career when I was three. I was there for every graduation, the first from Moorpark College and the last from the University of San Diego when she earned her doctorate. I learned from her to dream big and try hard in front of everyone.”

 

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“Mom taught me independence,” says Linda Fox. “It was a gift by example. She was a single mom and raised me by herself.”

 

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“My mom and I share the same birthday and growing up we clashed all the time,” shares Elizabeth Marie. “It wasn’t until after I got married and had my own kids that I realized what a strong woman she was.”

 

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“From watching my mom, and the physical pain she deals with every moment from a deteriorated spine, I think I’d have to say the best lesson and gift I’ve learned from her is to never stop, never give up,” says Lauren Estilow. “Life may not always be easy, but enjoy whatever you have and whomever you’re with!”

 

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“The best gift Mom gave me was a strong work ethic regarding my education,” says Ethan Lubin. “College was a given and I am now an elementary school teacher.”

 

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            “My sister,” answered Kathy McAlpine. “Pat is the most amazing woman I know. She is giving and selfless beyond belief!”

 

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“Mom gave me many gifts, including a love of family, which supersedes all,” shares Scott Harris, whose mother passed away two weeks ago. “However, that is probably a common trait of all great mothers.

 

“So I’ll offer another gift – a love of reading. Even when we had no money, Mom would buy me books. That gift is still giving 50-plus years later and I’ve yet to read a book without thinking of my mom.”

 

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            As for me, I echo all of the above but maybe I’ll go with this gift from my late great mom: Don’t save the good china only for special occasions – every day is special.

 

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Woody Woodburn writes a weekly column for The Ventura County Star and can be contacted at WoodyWriter@gmail.com.

 

Check out my new memoir WOODEN & ME: Life Lessons from My Two-Decade Friendship with the Legendary Coach and Humanitarian to Help “Make Each Day Your Masterpiece”