The more likely reality is that you’ve been up for hours, cleaned all of the dishes left in the sink and had to go pull the paper out from under someone’s art project (thank goodness they were, at least, using paper!). It is hard to figure out how to celebrate these Hallmark™ holidays, isn’t it?
My mother is still some distance away. I can’t do much for her for the holiday, but she isn’t very easy to “do” for anyway. She doesn’t sit still when other people are doing things. I like to think I inherited that trait, but I feel like I sit a lot more than she does.
I thought I’d use this opportunity to share a few other things I’ve learned from my mom.
I learned how to make a bed. She taught me all about hospital corners and why you put the top sheet on “jelly side down.” She also taught me that my day starts better when I make the bed in the morning. I don’t remember her bed ever being un-made. Now, I don’t remember actually adopting that philosophy until I was married with children, nor do I get it done every day, but I really do feel better when it’s done.
I learned how to set a table. She taught me how to fold napkins—where the “loose” corner is to be located in relation to the plate. I know the knife blade faces the dinner plate. While growing up, we ate dinner at the table, in the kitchen—no TV, except the occasional meal in front of the Disney movie of the week. We’ve continued the same practice. I am proud of that.
My mother taught me to separate my whites from my darks. We were expected to help with our laundry around our house and our kids have been doing their own laundry, for the most part, for at least four years. I taught them to separate, but my husband taught them to throw it all in together. I can’t compete with that.
Mom taught me to sew. One of the best gifts ever! The ability to sew saved me tons of money on the clothing I needed for my first job out of college, slipcovers for the hand-me-down furnishings for my first apartment and the numerous curtains I’ve made for our numerous homes!
At this point, I think it’s only fair to tell you that my mother was as home economics major in college. She taught for a year, then had me (lucky gal) and stayed home with me and my two younger sisters. Later, she kept the books for our family business, but she was home. She kept a close eye on us and, while at the time I didn’t think it was all that great, I appreciate it now.
In addition to the practical talents Mom gave me, she also gave me her motherly wisdom. Mom taught me, in 5th grade, I didn’t have to kiss Troy if I didn’t want to—even if my best friend Julie was kissing her boyfriend. She then taught me my heart will get broken, but I will survive. She taught me how to make a dollhouse out of a box when I didn’t get the Barbie Dream House I thought I HAD to have. She taught me that lying is wrong and she will always find out . . . always. She taught me home perms are a bad idea and little girls (meaning anyone under 15) shouldn’t wear make-up or high heels.
She encouraged nearly any artful pursuit—including painting our neighborhood fire hydrants for the bicentennial celebration of our Nation. She also helped us set-up our own voting booth for the very heated election of the same year.
There is so much more, but this is a good start to the list. So, for everything my mother taught me—which I intend to pass-on to my daughters and son--I want to publically thank her. (Especially since I am sure I publically embarrassed her on more than a few occasions—note the high heels before 15 rule and lying.)
Paige Thomas King is owner of Hodgepodge, Where You Gather Your Home, at 125 Franklin St. Email her at paige@hodgepodge-home.com or visit her blog at www.hodgepodge-home.blogspot.com.
Dear you're doing great job by teaching kids your mother experience. Your mother toughed you so many thing and now it's your turn to teach your kids same lessons. Thanks
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