The older I get, the more I know I have so, so much to learn. I've been blessed with many wonderful role models and mentors in my life, and I constantly seek to learn from others. There are two women who have been in my life, whose lessons I particularly value. One, my former mother-in-law, the beautiful Margaret (Peggy) Stickel. Always the belle of the ball, Peggy taught me about the fine art of being a lady. Not just in looks and manners, but much deeper.... by the way you treat others. The other is my mother. My mother, Johanna Ellis, was a true angel on earth. She was the kindest, most loving soul ever placed on this planet, and I was lucky enough to have her as my mother. She taught me about spirituality, about joy, and about love. Their lessons are worth sharing.
Me with Mom on my wedding day. Look at her smile...you can tell this woman squeezed every joyful moment from life as she possibly could.
Lessons from my Mother:
1. Don't say mean things about people.
2. Enjoy life! Eat that chocolate chip cookie, plant flowers, sit and watch a sunset, feed birds.
3. A woman can never have too many scarves or too much jewelry.
4. Tell your children you love them..every time you see them or talk to them. (Hope I've done this...If I've missed a few times...Girls, I LOVE YOU!)
5. Take comfort in your religion, but have your own relationship with God.
6. Believe in angels.
7. When it comes to Christmas decorations, leave no surface unadorned.
8. Forgive.
9. Don't use foul language. It makes you look ugly and sound unintelligent.
10. Love eternally.
Margaret (Peggy) Stickel. Elegant and beautiful.
Lessons I learned from my former Mother-in-law:
1. Dressing monochromatically makes you looks taller and leaner.
2. Put on hand cream every time you wash your hands. (Peggy's hands were like bunny fur...as soft as soft can be)
3. Take vitamins.
4. Get plenty of sleep.
5. Be kind to the people who provide service to you.
6. Stay out of the sun. (I don't do this as much as I should.)
7. Be humble.
8. The legs are the last thing to go. Show them off as long as you can.
9. Be your spouse's best friend and biggest fan.
10. Love eternally.
They were good role models! I really miss them! :(
Posted by: Jessica | October 24, 2010 at 10:51 PM
That's wonderful Nancy; and I'll add one that I learned and keep dear to this day. Mom and Dad were children of the Great Depression you know. I remember as a boy complaining we did not have as much (material things) as so many of my friends. Like...a color TV, never going on a real vacation, a new baseball glove, etc. Mom would always say -- "You have a roof over your head, clothes to wear and food to eat. (and if I may paraphrase) "That is all you really need, and you should be thankful for what you have."
She was right. Once the necessities are met...everything else -- everything else -- is gravy.
Thanks for sharing --
Love you lots..
Eric
Posted by: Eric Ellis | November 03, 2010 at 05:42 PM