Thinking back, I was a strong-willed, hyperactive child. I was into everything, and willing to try anything. Even so, I did learn some important values and lessons from my mother. A few that come to mind:

My mother taught me preparation.   “Make sure that you wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident.”

My mother taught me about medical science.  “Don’t pick at that – it’ll get infected! Don’t run with that–you’ll put your eye out! Don’t eat that–you’ll die!”

My mother taught me about doing the impossible.   “Close your mouth and eat your supper.”

My mother taught me to value history.    “Bored? When I was your age… Nothing to wear? When I was your age…”

My mother taught me the value of social interactions.  “I don’t care what everyone else is doing. If they all jumped in a lake would you jump in a lake?”

My mother taught me about self-awareness.  “Go to your room and think about what you did. Think hard!”

My mother taught me about logic and discussion.  “Because I said so, that’s why.”

My mother taught me to finish a job appropriately.    “If you are going to kill each other, do it outside. I don’t want blood on my clean floors.”

My mother taught me about farm life.    “Close the door! Were you born in a barn?”

My mother taught me about the weather.    “This room looks just like a tornado hit it.”

My mother taught me to be flexible.  “Seriously. Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck?”

My mother taught me humor.  “When that lawn mower cuts off your foot, don’t come running to me.”

My mother taught me about God.    “You better pray that comes out of the carpet.”

My mother taught me about justice.    “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope that they turn out just like you.”

 

    (Adapted from several places, including the irreligious Bert Christensen)