Last Sunday was Mother’s day - the first one without Mom. This week as I read back through some of my earlier writings, I re-read the lines that were shared here six weeks before Mom passed away - in the writing about Betty Crocker stainless ware. Will you allow me to re-share a paragraph. It seems significant in retrospect.
“I’ve got to say it Mom. You did good. You did really good. A long life with no regrets. A humble and frugal life with a healthy sense of humor to go along with it. A loving wife and mother. A grandma with “marshmallow” cheeks to kiss. A hardworking woman who has lived her life for the good of others. It’s not Mother’s Day yet, but l’m not going to wait to say it. I love you Mom. You’re still the best!”
I read those words to her in March. She smiled widely, and chuckled. She was my biggest fan, and always looked forward to the weekly stories. I’m so glad I wrote those words to her, and had a chance to tell her those things. It’s also a reminder to us to tell our loved ones how much we love them. No time like today. It could be the last time.
Once again, thank you for all the kind words of sympathy and empathy.
Now moving on.
I’ve been reminiscing lately about life, and how one goes about learning the lessons that are not taught in school. Thought it would be fun to share some of those from my own experience.
Life will teach you lessons. Animals will teach you lessons. Pain will teach you lessons. Love will teach you lessons. Here are a small fraction of the lessons I have learned in life.
A hammered thumb has a strong heartbeat all it’s own…
It’s always best to let go of the nail before swinging hard.
A baseball cap hides low barn beams… again and again.
Slow learners should not wear baseball caps in barns with low beams
Things that you try to jump over are often 2” higher than you estimated.
Walk around objects instead of trying to jump over them.
Make sure the electric fence is off before you work on it.
Make sure again.
Keep your feet firmly on the pedals of a bicycle built for men.
Failure to do so will cause severe pain.
Chair legs and bare toes are a bad combination.
Keep all chairs pushed up to the table.
A skunk is not a groundhog.
A skunk produces a displeasing odor.
A cat will love you on its own terms.
A dog will love you unconditionally.
A cat will claim your lap for its own comfort,
Not realizing that it’s purring is therapeutic and calming.
A dog will claim your lap because he/she loves you.
A large dog has no comprehension of its size when it attempts to get in your lap.
Cats will lie to you and cry for food when their dish is full.
Dogs will adore you over a stale piece of bread.
Cats are smart enough to bury their poop.
Dog poop on the bottom of a shoe is disgusting.
Never drink cider before long walks.
Always carry TP on long walks.
There may be only one thistle in your lawn.
Your bare feet will always find it.
A turkey will viciously peck your nose of you get too close to the fence.
Don’t squat down to look through a turkey fence.
A yellow jacket can sting many times.
A honey bee can sting only once.
A honey bee can sting only once.
Cows produce milk, which makes delicious cheese and ice cream.
But don’t stand behind a coughing cow.
Roosters will teach you to always watch over your shoulder.
Roosters make very good soup.
You can’t lead a donkey where it doesn’t want to be led.
But you can cover its eyes with a feed sack, and steer it backwards.
Pigs stink.
Bacon is delicious.
Always carry a spare tire.
Spare tires can go flat in your trunk.
When the gauge says empty,
Believe it.
Full bladders are not good traveling companions.
The next rest stop is further than you think.
Amish buggies move very slowly up long hills.
You will find yourself behind them in direct proportion to your lateness for an appointment.
Trailer hitches were designed to help you find your shins.
When walking around the back of a truck, give it wide berth.
Men have a hard time stopping to ask for directions.
Note to self. Always carry a map and/or GPS.
It is not possible to completely understand a woman.
It is possible to be madly in love with them anyway.
One of the most powerful words in the universe: Love
Two of the most powerful words in the universe: I’m sorry.
Three of the most powerful words in the universe: I was wrong.
Four of the most powerful words in the universe: Will you forgive me.
Five of the most powerful words in the universe: Let’s go get ice cream.
From rainy Kidron, Ohio. Have a wonderful weekend. So long.
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