Today I received this post card from Karen Fasimpaur, as part of our CLmooc [connected learning] post card exchange.
The back explains:
“Things Our Mothers Used to Say” — a collection of often repeated gems that have been shared with me. Anything you might add?” ~Karen Fasimpaur,
I might add…
Things my mom used to say
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
…when I struggled.
If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
…if I was upset at someone
Remember: you don’t know what the other person is going through.
…if I didn’t understand the way someone behaved
Damned if I do; damned if I don’t.
…when nothing seemed to work
Who do you think you are, the Queen of Sheba?
…when I was a brat
Try it; it can’t hurt.
…when I was hesitant to learn something new
Go find your brother.
..little brother, always wandering
Come in when the street lights turn on.
…as I left into the neighborhood to play
Ignore them.
…when someone was mean to me
If you’re nice to others, they’ll be nice to you.
…when someone was mean
Don’t be a wall flower.
…as I was incredibly shy
Smile.
And Aunt Vi would add, “You have a lovely smile.”
…nudging me out into the activity
It will be OK.
…when I went off into the world
And, it’s been more than OK. Smiles spread!
What did your mom say?
This is lovely. Lots of good wisdom in there. Thanks for sharing.
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” is something I heard a lot as well. I’ve periodically rethought that as an adult and wrestled with it. Still, there are always some ways to say things that are kinder or more thoughtful than others.
You do have a lovely smile. And it will be OK. Somehow.
Hi Karen, I think so too– “saying something nice” doesn’t mean “don’t speak out or speak up.” As you say, there are thoughtful, kinder ways to speak out on issues like injustice. Loved the postcard! Thank you so much. ~ Sheri
Provocative response–so much to think about here (from both of you!).
Hi Kim, I’ve got my mom “floating in the back of my mind now,” hoping I’ll remember more of the things she’d say. This was a very refreshing post to create as I remembered very quickly these few words from my mom. I hope I remember more. She passed away long ago as did my father, and taking the time to close my eyes and hear their voices one more time was soothing today. I often pause and wonder during difficult times, “What would mom say or What would dad say.” So I remember their voices as part of me. So good to remember. Thanks for stopping by. ~ Sheri
A postcard to post — this is so CLMOOC.
My mom always told me, through words and action, that we have obligation to others.
Kevin