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Tribute to Moms

Backstory

Some friends and I were talking about the things moms do for their kids. The discussion was hilarious as we evoked memories of funny or trying or absurd experiences. We talked about the things we were willing to do, because – well, because that’s what moms do. The next time I sat down to write, those stories came pouring back; not as jokes this time, but as a celebration of what moms do and who they are.

Tribute to Moms – #287

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This show is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors…and for all the mom who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games so they could SHARE that magic moment with their kids.

This is for the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store, and for those who count to ten instead. It’s for the moms who go hungry, so their children can eat. For those who read “Goodnight, Moon” twice a night for a year…and then read it again. “Just one more time.”

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school….and for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead. This show celebrates the moms who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot. This for the mothers who gave birth to babies they’ll never see…and the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls “Mom?” in a crowd, even though they know their own kids are at home— or away at college—or have their own families.

Mom is the one who provides a soft landing – no matter how old her children are. Thank goodness moms come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Thank goodness moms are there.

P.S.

I hope you enjoyed today’s tribute to moms. If it hit home, go call a mom who deserves credit and give her some love.

[Show #287]

Edited and updated May 19, 2019.

Wise Moms

Edited and updated May 12, 2019.

Backstory

This week’s musings are about your mother and the place you held in her heart. It’s all in how you look at it. This may present some new perspectives.

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Wise Moms – #499

There is a time in life when your mom is not so smart. It’s the age when you know much more than she does. She is so out of it; and you are so cool . . . except for that one time that she was right. Or was it two times . . . or maybe three.

Then the years fly by and your mom somehow gets magically wiser. As you progress to the stage of a young mother yourself, you understand for the first time what your mom was all about. So she wasn’t trying to stifle you . . . she wanted to protect you. She didn’t want to make your life a living hell . . . she just wanted your room cleaned.

And know that when she is no longer here on earth with you, your mom will still linger – in your heart, your words and deeds. You’ll find yourself saying something she said . . . or voicing the exact same cautions that she did. You’ll cry at the same kind of movie. Memories of what you shared will make you smile – or laugh out loud.

You see, a mother isn’t just on hand until you’re 18, or until you’re through college or until you marry. A mother is forever. Treasure yours while she is here and remember her when she’s gone, for she is never far away. Her love and her teachings still guide you.

When you need her, you’ll feel her essence, her warmth, her glow. You don’t have to be able to see her. You can feel her in your soul.

Thanks to all the mothers remembered with love.

P.S.

We like to repeat this show at this time of year, as a reminder of the role mothers play, forever.

[Show #499]

Giving and Getting Help

Backstory

There was a time when I was overwhelmed with responsibility. The stress was showing – and fellow Rotarians stepped in and provided help that made a difference and kept me sane. It taught me several things. I’d like to share them with you today.

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Giving and Getting Help – #263

There are times in life when we are called on to do things that are difficult. They seem to come in threes, these times of challenge. And when they occur, they seem to define us wholly.

Instead of being a multi-faceted human being, we start to think that we are nothing more than the care giver, the mother figure, the easily disposable employee.

So many people are struggling today. It is very possible that you may be called on to give help, jump in, provide a safety net or a soft place to land. It’s also possible that you become the one who needs help.

When suddenly called on to take a difficult new role, it’s important to keep your perspective. You are the same person as before the challenge occurred. You may feel overwhelmed at the beginning. But you can figure things out. You always have.

It’s said that God never calls on us to do more than we can. Pray for strength if that’s where you get spiritual courage.

Be willing to ask for help yourself if it gets to be too much. Look around and you may find willing, loving helpers in places you would not imagine. Speak out and let the help come forward.

You CAN make it through these times. Easy? No. Doable? Yes.

God bless you.

P.S.

A friend told a story about noticing that the lady at the muffin stand, where she stopped each morning for years, did not look or sound good that day. She took time off from work to get the vendor to a doctor – and saved her life. Who knew that a customer would go to those lengths of caring? Selfless help is all around but people must KNOW there is a need. Be willing to step up when you feel that things are not right. Be willing to ask for help when you need it. Test human kindness. You may be delighted with what you discover.

[Show #263]

Dress Code

Backstory

Downton Abbey, the PBS series, took us back to the time when people of gentry dressed for each meal. Yep, three times a day, a new outfit. How does that compare with today’s dress code?

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Dress Code – #360

We went to a party the other night. About a hundred people, wearing anything you could imagine – jeans and tee shirt, scanty minis, business casual, suits and ties, cocktail gowns. It was proof again that the dress codes of the past are as out-of-date as bloomers and white powdered wigs.

Is that for the better? Is it supposed to eliminate class distinction?

It used to be nice to see women in dresses and make up and jewelry

In a good restaurant. The tuxedo, indicating a REALLY special occasion, made a guy look really elegant, especially when he knew how to tie the bow tie by himself. It showed respect to wear Sunday clothes to church.

Then there was the elegance of evening wear for a concert or nightclub or a casino.

These days, unless you are going to a prom, there is no need for dress-up clothes at all. Anything goes. You’re cleaning the house and your husband suggests going out to dinner. You grab your purse and go!

And everyone else at the restaurant looks as casual as you do.

Jeans to church. Sneakers in the office. Are there places where business dress and evening dress still hold court? Maybe in the cities?

24/7 casual is certainly easier. But I think I miss dress-up once in a while. How about you?

P.S.

A business operation seems to be a place where a dress code could matter. I might trust the bank officer in a suit and heels better than one in torn jeans and flip-flops.

[Show #360]

Be There

(Edited 3-24-19)

Backstory

Remember the days when “Party” was a call to arms? All aboard, and the louder the music, the better. Then we kind of settle down. Favorite get-togethers involve smaller crowds, family; people whose company we enjoy. After that comes the time when you may decide not to accept every invitation. It gets involved to get ready, arrange to get there, attend and get back. If you’re tempted to skip it, consider this.

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Be There – #603

Recently, I told you about the surprise birthday party in my honor. It lasted one afternoon. But the aftermath is what I want to share with you, because that event had a life of its own. It was like seeing a movie that keeps repeating in your head.

For weeks, I went to sleep remembering a vignette or a conversation or a hug shared that afternoon. I knew the memories of that day would be with me forever.

But the good part is that it gets to play over and over WITH OTHER PEOPLE as well. Every time I get together with a friend who was there, or a relative who helped plan or run the event, the warm rush of affection happens all over again. I hear what THEY took away; entirely different from what I did.

So the gift provided by the folks who planned and attended that surprise party did NOT fill just one afternoon. It became another story that is part of my life. How precious!

So I have a suggestion for you. If you are invited to a surprise party . . . or any such event . . . GO! Make the time, go out of your way to get there. Does it matter if you are in the crowd? Yes, it does.

You are giving the gift of time and sharing, to someone you care for, who no doubt loves you in return. The scope of the gift you provide by your attendance is immeasurable. It will pleasure the person honored with happy memories and provide stories to tell, for years to come. Don’t miss it. Be there.

P.S.

I just got one of those printed books that pile together all the photos posted on your Facebook page for the past year. Being someone who always forgets to take photos, I was delighted to see all those that others had posted on my page. What an easy, simple way to keep the memories of all those special events that were important enough to share with friends.

[Show #603]

Hodgepodge of Stamps

(Edited 3-10-19)

Backstory

Learn something new every day. It’s advice I try to follow. Sometimes it leads to unexpected or colorful new knowledge. That’s what happened here. A discovery led me to explore something I would normally take for granted. My curious nature always “wants to know the story.” This time it led me to stamps.

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Hodgepodge of Stamps – #192

When an elderly relative passed on, I was helping sort through her belongings. Someone gave me a box of stamps to inventory.

There was a treasure of stamps worth 15 cents and 23 cents and 10 cents . . . a nickel . . . even 1 cent. There were dozens of different designs and colors, each a miniature masterpiece of graphic art.

Some stamps had no denomination on them. The United States Post Office website has a place that shows how to determine their value.

That led me to the new FOREVER stamps. You purchase them at the going rate and they retain their value, even if mail rates go up in the future.

I also found that you can have customized stamps created, bearing your own image or message. How cool is that?

I asked who from the family wanted the box of lick-able old stamps. After all, they have a monetary value. But no one wanted to play with small denomination stamps that were not self-sticking. They invited me to keep them.

Well friends and relatives have been fascinated receiving my correspondence and cards with as many as ten different stamps on the envelope. I let them decide for themselves why the conglomeration. It sure has become a conversation piece.

P.S.

The U.S. Postal Service will release new stamps this year in honor of military working dogs. Four designs feature a German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Belgian Malinois and Dutch shepherd. The illustrations are in red, white, blue and gold to represent the American flag and patriotism. Also later this year, watch for stamps featuring a painting of tennis champion Maureen Connolly Brinker, designs from artist Ellsworth Kelly and engines from the Transcontinental Railroad,

[Show #192]

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