Somehow, I volunteered to say a few words at my mother's upcoming memorial service. It remains to be seen if I can get through the roughly minute and a half long speech, but here's what I wrote Saturday afternoon.
Things My Mother Taught Me
Comedian Christopher Titus
once said, “Mothers give you knowledge. Fathers make you earn it.” Well, I
don’t know about that because my father still offers good advice. But there are
many things Mom specifically passed along, either by word or deed.
One. You’re never too old for
crayons.
Two. Hats are cool no matter
what anybody says.
Three. If you can’t remember
your new friend’s name, ask her to spell it. Of course, that only works if it’s
unusual. But to this day I remember my friend Lanita, wherever she may be.
Four. Hair accessories never
go out of style.
Five. Christmas tree tinsel
is a seasonal hair accessory.
And something I never thought
about until a cherished friend brought it up is that Mom played music with her
whole heart. She didn’t let the occasional slip up derail her joy. So don’t
worry about being a perfectionist. Well, unless it’s a Buehler's Kitchen Corner pizza for the display case or
a church salad luncheon sign.
Last but not least, I’d like
to share my favorite scripture, which I’ll paraphrase. It sums up two of the
most important things both Mom and Dad instilled, even if I’m not always a good
example of them.
It’s from the book of
Proverbs. ‘Two things I ask of thee, O Lord, deny them not to me before I die.
Remove far from me falsehood and lying. And give me neither poverty, nor
riches, lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I
steal, and defy my God.’
My mother was extremely
honest, and she was ever generous. Thanks, Mom.
-
