Odd things come to mind sometimes. Today as I struggled to put on a pair of socks tightened by washing, I remembered that my mother taught me how to turn the sock inside-out down to the heel so it was the shape of a mule, insert foot, and pull till the toes reach the end, then unfold the instep and cuff and pull them up to the ankle.
That led to the memory of trying to get socks onto kicking baby feet. We needed socks in a cold New England winter, but I might have given up without that trick my mother taught me.
I wonder what special helps you learned from your mother. Kitchen hints would likely top the list, but what about other domestic things? And what would be much more interesting: what did you learn about how to make judgments, how to deal with incompetent and/or rude sales clerks and airline ticket agents, how to figure out what to make of the remark you overheard at a party or that was tossed your way by someone you thought was a friend? Did she help you to decide what to say to someone bereaved, or have a mantra to help dispel a disappointment?
We could compare notes right here, if you feel like replying.
1 comment:
My Mother taught me how to love and how to forgive. She loved all seven of us unconditionally and always looked for the best in her kids. When I think back, part of the reason I always tried to do my best was because I never wanted to disappoint her. Mother never preached to me about what she expected, but she showed by example. She was a kind and caring person and I realized that everybody who knew her loved her. Even my teenage friends told me they wished their mothers were like mine.She never held a grudge, even though she could get angry when pushed.
She was not a domestic goddess. She hated housework, but she was a good downhome southern cook. My relatives came to our house and raved over the good meals Mother put on the table.
She was amazing. A car full of company could arrive at 11:00 AM, unannounced, and Mother would had a laden table by 1:00 PM. Looking back, I think she had some magic hidden in her hands.
Post a Comment