Hard work and independence
My mother taught me the ethics of hard work. She worked in a factory for over forty years and taught me how to do laundry, cook, clean and take care of my 3 brothers at a very early age. In return I turned out to be very independent and have a very good work ethic. She also taught me to have something to show for my money when I spent it. I am carrying on the tradition with my own two children who also have their own chores to do and they also are independent. If they get hungry and mom is at work they know how to fix something to eat and clean up their mess.
--Debbie Chambers, Fort Worth, Texas

Do your best
Where do I start?! My mother, Ruth Peace, is so wise that it's hard to pick just one piece of wisdom. But probably the best advice she ever gave me was this: "All that anyone can ever ask is that you do your best." When times are tough and I struggle, personally or professionally, I try to remember that if I've given it my best I can be proud, regardless of the outcome.
--Shari Peace, Centerville, Ohio

Do to others...
The most important lesson my mother taught me was to treat people the way that I wanted them to treat me. She not only taught this lesson but she lived by example. My mom has always been there to help people even when they did not help her and when to used her. She stated that her mom was the same way. My grandmother would help people with food from her garden even though the same people would talk about and mistreat her. When it came time that the other people needed food and their gardens had not done as well as my grandmother's garden then they would need her help and my mom said that she would never turn them away. I do the same thing. People mistreat me and hurt me but when they need help I am the first person that they seek help from. I find that this a great lesson and that you never lose when you do good for evil.
--Pamela J. Massenburg

Hard work
I am the youngest of nine children, so my four brothers and four sisters say that I am spoiled. If getting my parents to myself longer than anyone makes me spoiled, I guess I am. My mother worked outside of the home for the first time when I started kindergarten and didn't stop until she retired at age 65. She taught all of us the value of hard work and honesty. Mother taught all of us -- especially the five girls -- that we are valuable as people and that we should not settle for anything or anyone that didn't make us happy. Mom and Dad have been married for almost 60 years. I am thankful to them for setting such a wonderful example of how to live, laugh and especially, love.
--Michelle Lumley, Garden City, Kan.

Dating advice
Look both ways before crossing a street. Oh, okay. The best advice that my mother gave me was a safety precaution when dating. If a boy tells you; "If you love me you will sleep with me." The reply my mother "armed me" with was; "If you love me you won't ask!" This saying of hers saved me from making mistakes that I would have regretted as a teenager in high school. When the pressure was on I was well armed.
--Karen L. Wolf, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Love yourself
My mother taught me that being poor wasn't a crime, she told us as children to be contended with what we had, to take pride in ourselves, that material things was not the most important things in life. She also taught us that the neighborhood didn't have to know we were in need. She also insisted on being honest. As a result of what I have learnt as a child I can have very little and not get depressed and think about doing dishonest things. I have learned to be content. By the way she also taught us not to be envious of what other people had.
--Jane Green, Bloomfield Conn.

Life gets easier
The most important lesson my mom, Rebecca, ever taught me is, that it gets easier. No matter what it is it always gets easier. This lesson rang true all my life, but never more then after my mom passed away. It was Christmas, it was unexpected, I was 22 and hadn't seen her in a year. I was destroyed. I didn't know how to live without her in my life. Even though I lived 3,000 miles away we talked almost everyday and she was my rock. A few months later I came across a Post-It note that had her handwriting on it. In the months prior it was the type of thing that would have caused uncontrollable sobs, but at that moment I had good memories of my mom and of our relationship and I felt happy for the first time in a long time. And I realized again, she was right, it gets easier. It's only been a little over two years and I still cry and I miss her more than I could ever express, but it getting easier.
--C.T., Washington, D.C.

What's the worst that could happen?
My mom is a very down to earth person. A no-nonsense, no jewelry, no-frills-or-lace type of lady. Her best words of advice had to be, "What's the worst thing that can happen?" coupled with, "You will never die of embarrassment." They were simple statements that, when explained, made you realize what's important. She explained that no one else should care that you have a run in your stocking, or that you spilled spaghetti sauce on yourself, or that you're having a bad hair day. And if they do care about those sort of things or make you feel embarrassed about them, they aren't worthy of your time and energy. Rather, you should take a breath, smile and realize that nothing and no one is perfect and that you will never die of embarrassment. It's freeing to not feel so encumbered by embarrassment given my ability to spill just about everything! Thanks Mom! I love you!
--Judy Schanbacher, Quakertown, Pa.

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