BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Mother’s Day is this Sunday May 10. Mother’s and Mother figures significantly contribute to our lives and shape our perceptive on how we would like to live them.
I was the youngest of five children with an age gap of twenty years between me and my oldest brother. As a result, we formed a very close bond.
My Mother, Lucy, was the first person to teach me about advocacy and to use my talents to advocate for others. She supported my love of writing. In fact, she encouraged me to write a book at just 10 years old. She helped me send my book off to the Simon and Schuster Publishing Company in New York. The book was rejected but I received a sweet letter of encouragement from the publisher that cemented my resolve to write. She was ahead of her time and participated in activities usually reserved for the “men folk” like hunting and political activism.
Because of her love of information, I grew up on a steady diet of Walter Cronkite and the daily newspaper. She adored Bill Clinton and died believing O.J. was innocent. The most valuable lesson she taught me (at a time when there were definite gender “roles”) was that I could be ANYTHING I wanted to be as long as I was willing to work (in some cases) like a man! She had a wicked sense of humor I hope I inherited. She taught me that you never abandon the family and to protect those you love. Because of her, I am a really great cook of homemade bread and noodles. There are too many to list here, but I still learn new things from her all the time. Some of my best memories of her are our weekly trips to Bingo sponsored by the Humane Society. On the rare occasions she lost, she didn’t mind because it meant the animals won. Some of the best advice she ever gave me was; “If it’s not for sale, don’t advertise it!” My Mom earned her place in Heaven more than 20 years ago, but I still miss her every single day.
I asked my own children what they’d say about me. My daughter said: “the best lessons were the importance of family, specifically with your siblings because once your parents are gone, your siblings are all you’ve got. Also, (and I hope this isn’t superficial because it’s important); the way you carry yourself, speak, and dress should be for the job you want; put forth the best representation of your education and appearance. If you look good, you’ll feel good, and if you feel good you’ll perform better.”
Some of her funniest memories are the way I used to make everybody remain silent while I tried to dock the boat and my occasionally busting her out of school for a shopping day.
My son said his favorite memory is when we traveled all over the east coast to compete in Pole Vaulting competitions. He said my best advice was “Never settle for less than makes you happy.”
We reached out to some readers to get their input:
Staci Sexton-Lohr:” My Mom, Sandy Sexton, taught me how to love unconditionally, to forgive those that hurt us and to help those in need”. She remembers her Mom inviting neighbors and even strangers to holiday meals and that her Mom would give the shirt off her back to those in need. She set the bar high.
Of her mother-in-law,Barb Lohr, Staci said she taught her to be strong and be there for others. “She raised a wonderful son.”
Kimberly Jenney said of her Mother Susan: The best advice she gave me was to protect and respect your independence. Her favorite memory: “Singing in the car with me. our theme song was “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar.” Jenney said.
Laurie Feintuch Nelson said of her Mother Elaine: that she remembers her Mom having a beautiful voice and singing solo in every church in town. She says her Mom also taught her to sew and knit and the patience for it. They loved going to community concerts and acted together in at least 10 plays at the Little Theater. Laurie misses her Mom’s smile noting that she smiled with her eyes. “There isn’t a day that she’s not on my mind.” Laurie said.
Tawni Thompson said of her Mother Beverly Grau; that she taught her not to worry about other people’s opinions. “What matters at the end of the day is if you are able to look at yourself and see a good person with a good moral compass. and if you don’t then make the changes! Think about what others see when they look at you.”
Judy Hoffman said of her Mother, Myrna Mellott; “My mother taught me to never judge others and show them love. Because of my Mother, I have never met a stranger. She had a gift of gab and believed hard work always pays off. Although she was born into wealth, my Mother taught us that money can’t make you happy. She had a big heart and shared it with all.”
Michael Hoffman said of his Mother Marjorie Hoffman: “Mom took me to church, taught me right from wrong and taught me how to hand sew.”
Donna Hardymon shared what she learned from her Mother Maggie Hensley: Besides teaching her to cook and clean, Donna’s mother taught her to stand her ground in life and relationships. Because of her, I never met a stranger and I talk to everyone. As a child, Donna remembers her Mom popping popcorn so the family could watch Chiller Theatre featuring Alfred Hitchcock. Her favorite memories include their adventures together with her Mother knowing that there was no plan, they’d just get back when they pulled in the drive. She recalls taking her Mom on a train ride, something she had wanted to do since she was seven years old.
Barry Alcock, Retired BHS Teacher said of his mother:
My mother, Mary, grew up in Birkenhead, England during the Great Depression and spent her teenage years sheltering from bombings during World War II. Though she was brilliant enough to likely earn a college scholarship, her mother believed women didn’t need education beyond age sixteen. Despite that, my mom always knew what she wanted and stood firmly by her convictions.
One story captures her perfectly. When my parents finally installed central air conditioning in our modest home, the HVAC contractor planned to place the thermostat in the living room. My mother immediately objected, insisting it would ruin the carefully arranged décor she had created with artwork and photos of the English Royal Family. The contractor explained, correctly, that the thermostat needed to go there for proper airflow and efficiency. Calmly, in her unmistakable English accent, my mother pointed to a corner in the dining room and declared, “It’s going here.”
After repeated explanations from the contractor, my mom simply replied, “Then take it out. We’ll try someone else.” The stunned contractor looked to me for help, but I already knew: when my mother made up her mind, there was no changing it.”
As a part of our salute to Mother’s, please take a moment to share your favorite memory, advice, or even a picture in the comments below. Happy Mother’s Day.