Things My Mother Taught Me . . .

Today is my mother's birthday, so. . . " Happy Birthday Mom "!

 

Here are a few shots of my " memory board that I keep close to me when I am sleeping.

 

( It hangs next to my bed.)

 

As I look at my favorite memories one thing is very clear, my mother taught me life's most precious gifts . . .

 

 

 

 

 

She taught me the smell of gardenias and how when I smell one now, I think of her and her signature perfume throughout my childhood.

 

She taught me that without faith, life is an empty shell.

 

She taught me that the Saints are there to intercede for me anytime I pray and to acknowledge their presence in my life.

 

She introduced me to " Our Holy Mother Mary " and thus began my devotion to " Our Lady ".
 
She taught me that it is right to not judge people by the color of their skin or the culture they are from, even though your friends disagree.

She taught me to be proud of my polish ancestry and to celebrate it and to pass it on to the next generation.

She taught me that in my life, family is the most important treasure.

She taught me that it is the small thoughtful things in life that fill my life with meaning and contentment.

She taught me that marriage is a sacred bond and should be forever cherished.

 

 
She taught me that by taking care of my teeth throughout my life will allow me to keep them.

And  that things I did when I was a teenager will eventually catch up to me when I am forty.

She taught me to protect myself from the sun.

She taught me long ago her mantra, " Everything in moderation! ".

And to travel and to experience new cultures, places, and ideas.

She taught me good taste and to add that " little extra touch " that makes all the difference.

She taught me to be strong and to stand up for what I believe in.

She taught me the softness that comes with a mother's hand checking for a fever on your forehead.

And that someone does come comfort you in the middle of a bad dream when you are three years old.

And that no matter how old you get to be, she will be there to make you feel like a child again like a magic moment in time.

She taught me to give thanks to God for all the blessings in my life.

And that sometimes, " Things are just meant to be. "

She also taught me that our birthdays and the holidays are not " just another day ", but extremely special days we can look forward to all year through.

I love you mom.

Happy Birthday!