Dear Readers,
The other day I noted a bumper sticker that read “Well-Behaved Women Never Make History!” The implication was that one has to be loud and possibly somewhat rude to be remembered and acclaimed.
My Mom was neither loud nor rude but she has left her mark on the world in a quiet and unassuming manner. In fact, one small act of kindness by her is still being remembered and saluted more than 50 years after it happened.
It occurred while I was a high school student during the early 60’s. My fellow classmate, who is organizing our 50th reunion, wrote and told me how she still remembered my Mom and her thoughtfulness. Let me quote from her recent e-mail:
“I was thinking about your Mom the other night when I was taking out some baked potatoes. Remember there were 8 children in my family. I loved and still do every minute of that. But one time I went home with you for a while and your Mother invited me to dinner. And she served baked potatoes. Boy I loved them! At home we did do a lot of potato dishes but never baked. Just the recipes that made them stretch. I did a lot of the home cooking in high school. One night I wanted to make them for the family and surprise Mom. I really didn’t see what your Mom did to them to make them so good. So I called her and asked her to talk me through the recipe. I had a pencil and two sheets of paper ready for her words of wisdom. She was so kind and calm while we talked. She went step by step. She was a dream. Well can you believe it. You just wash them and put them in the oven!! Julia Child, eat your heart out. I bet your Mom had a few good giggles out of that one. But you know she didn’t patronize me and took my request seriously. I loved her for that”.
I’m sure my Mom sensed my friend was in need of a little motherly attention and freely gave it to her. It was never forgotten. So you see, you don’t have to misbehave to be remembered. Her one small act of love and kindness lives on long after she has left this earth!
Keep smilin’!
Mimi's Motherly Tips 