“Because I said so!” These are words we’ve all heard from our moms, at one time or another. It probably was valuable guidance in that moment, even though it wasn’t the nugget of wisdom we expected to hear.
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the exceptional wisdom moms bring to our lives. Here are some sage words of motherly advice, shared by friends of Aroundabout Local Media.
Keli Gambrill, Cobb County District 1 Commissioner
“Sometimes it was not what was said, but the wooden spoon being placed on the counter said it all! My mom is a very quiet and reserved person. She was always there for me and listened. When I would ask what to do – she would tell me to do what was right, and that I would know if it was right or not. She led by example more so than words.”
Beth Fornuto, Photographer
“Recently, my 88-year-old mother said not to overlook the blessing of suffering in your marriage and/or family — whether it be financial, spiritual or physical. It is in these times when you become the closest and discover what truly matters in life. My mother has been a widow for over 30 years. Cancer rocked our world when I was just in high school. She said, looking back, she would not wish to change a thing and that the six months of my father’s fight to live was the strongest their marriage had ever been. He had also found eternal salvation during that time. She also said to never stop praying for your children. They may have seasons of rebellion and bad decisions, but they will eventually come around, so just keep praying.”
Katie Beall, Around Acworth Editor
“Recently, my mother has taught me that no matter how old children get, parents never stop parenting. On one of my parents’ visits last year, my mom managed to sneak in a framed poem she cross stitched in 1983 entitled ‘Mother’s Prayer,’ author unknown. My mom wrote a note to me on the back of the frame and left it in our guest room for me to find. As a first-time mom to a very active toddler myself, the note and poem encouraged my heart, while also leaving me in tears. One line that struck a chord with me the most says, ‘Let me not in weariness, confusion or noise obscure my vision from life’s fleeting joys.’ From her own experience, my mom was able to give me a wonderful reminder of how quickly time flies and how important it is to savor every moment with our little ones.”
Jim Hilber, President of the Acworth Business Association
“I still do not know how she did it, but my mom raised me as a single parent until I was 10 years old. She taught me the importance of energy, confidence and holding your head high. ‘You don’t fake it until you make it. You work at it until you become it.’”
Jennifer Bonn, Teacher
“My mom taught me … Food is love. When someone is hurting, struggling, or just hungry, giving food fills the empty spaces and shows you care. Family is precious and should always be a priority. My mom loved any excuse to invite everyone over to our house. This is why every holiday reminds me of my mom’s kitchen packed with people laughing and telling stories while enjoying all kinds of glorious food.”
Brittany Cook, Photographer
“My mother taught me to appreciate all individuals for who they are and what they represent, to embrace the differences in people and to enjoy and appreciate those differences.”
Claire Frost, Contributing Writer
“When I was a brand new mom, and staying home with my daughter, I couldn’t understand how anyone ever was able to do this. My mom said, ‘You just need practice. You’ll see. All of a sudden, it will be like you grew two new arms.’ As per usual, she was 100 percent right and, to this day, that’s one of my favorite pieces of advice/comfort to offer to new moms … because it’s true. No one was born a mother. You learn. You adapt. Your instincts take over and you’re doing it.”
Tommy Allegood, Mayor of Acworth
“My mom often reminded me as a single parent … ‘Don’t turn your weekends into a Disney Land experience and don’t try to be your kids’ best friend.’”
Greg Fonzeno, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
“My mom was always one to remind me to never make judgments about others based on only one person’s viewpoint. Find out more about why people do things first. Oh, and of course, always go out with clean underwear in case you’re in an accident!”
Tiffany Hughes, Contributing Writer
“My mom, always told me to like myself first and to not define myself through anyone else. That makes a lot more sense now that I’m older.”
Wise words from some amazing Moms! Thanks for sharing!
We reap what we sow. i can’t imagine a day without my wonderful son. As the days and years go by our children then begin to share their gained wisdom with us. It’s a wonderful trade-off and a beautiful and rewarding experience..