- FILED UNDER
We asked readers to share the best advice that Mom ever gave them. Here are some of your responses.
Larry Holliday, Horseheads
It was September 1965 and the Vietnam War raged on when a young man from upstate New York headed off to Air Force boot camp. Scared and uncertain of what the future might bring, I marched into my third day of basic training wondering just what I had gotten myself into.
It was then that I found the handwritten note from my mother neatly tucked into some of the personal items I had brought from home. The note read:
"I hope you find your new life interesting by now. Whatever you do — don't look for the things that aren't so pleasant. Look for all the good things and enjoy them. God bless you and help you in your new life. I will be thinking of you every day and hope to hear from you soon. Love, Mom."
I carried that note for many years and I lived by Mom's advice from that point on. It was that advice that guided me through a wonderful and rewarding life and gave me the courage to look ahead at all the wonderful things the world has to offer. I am most grateful for this gift.
And on Mother's Day, I will find my special way of saying thanks to Mom for all she has done for me because at 97 years old and in failing health, she is living in a local nursing home where I will try to make my daily visit with her as special for her as she has always been to me.
Nicalina Musto, Horseheads
The best advice I got from my mother when I got my first boyfriend was to "keep your legs crossed." She didn't have to say any more than that. It covered everything.
I'm close to 79 now and still think that this advice, if taken, is the old-fashioned, short-and-sweet version of being a "good girl."
Kathleen Huddle, Elmira
My mother died eight years ago and I miss her every day. I was blessed with a world-class, loving, Italian mother who had a great sense of humor.
The most sagacious advice she gave me were these pearls of wisdom: "Stop picking at that thing on your face or it'll never heal" and "never eat yellow snow."
Laura Ferris, Elmira
The best advice my mom, Sandy Bonnell, ever gave me was to stand by your family.
My mom, better known as Gigi, was one of 10 children born and raised in Elmira. Her mom taught her this lesson at a young age: Family sticks together. As my mom was raising three children, she taught us that same lesson.
When we were young kids out in the community, we knew that we were to protect "the unit" by representing our family in a positive way. If one of us was not doing that, it was up to the others to get us back on track. With that system of checks and balances, the unit stayed strong and got through anything.
Now, as adults, we are raising our own children — Gigi's three grandchildren. We are teaching them the same lesson, that through thick or thin, right or wrong, you stand by your family members. No one and nothing is more important than family. Thank you, Gigi, for teaching us this valuable life skill.
Maxine Piecuch, Horseheads
The best advice my mother gave me was to "never marry a man thinking you are going to change him." This advice has come to mind many times since I married my husband. (We have been married 46 years.)
We were so different — I came from a big city (Kansas City, Mo.) and would have liked to have lived there. He wanted to stay in the Elmira area where he was born. We are of different religions and nationalities. His mother would have liked him to marry a Polish Catholic girl and I am a Baptist of English descent. We have had our ups and downs but have learned to live with our differences because of our love for each other.
Jackie Knapp, Elmira
My mom's name is Myrle Knapp. She is 87 years old. She has given me some great advice through the years.
The best advice she has given me are two things: Love everyone and put others first.
I remember when I was a little girl and she would tell me to be kind to everyone, no matter what their ethnic background was. She has always had a heart for everyone, regardless of who they are or what they've done. She not only taught it, she lived it.
She also said "put others first." She has been an example of that, too. She has helped others when she herself was hurting. She has always taken the time to listen, even when it was a sacrifice for her. Many young people call her "Mom" too because she has loved and listened to all.
The advice she gave me has helped me all through my life. I am Christian education director at Elmira Christian Center, and work with all kinds of people. I have been able to put my mom's advice to practice by reaching out, caring and loving people and trying to put others first as my mom would.
Courtesy: StarGazette
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