Her name is Rhonda Jan.
“Momma” or “Precious” both perfectly acceptable and fitting. I’ve spoken of her many times and will as long as I have breath. Adored by many. She’s thoughtful and selfless and AMAZING and all of the things in between. Up at dawn, quiet time with her Savior and coffee before 8…Journaling and lip liner done by nine. She wears an apron if she’s at home. Cooking, canning, quilting, decorating or dusting- rarely does she idle. Errands, donating, aiding or assisting –thinking of others-always. Home usually by noon or shortly there after- a nap is a daily must. She and I call or text or both most everyday. The sisters do too. The sisters and me make for needy times three.
We’re grateful, oh so grateful the Lord chose her to mother us.
If you were not as fortunate, maybe you lost your mother early or were just never of one accord…if I may for a moment share a bit more of mine with you …More of her wisdom, manners and moral code. Lessons for the sisters and me make three.
She’d say and still does to this day,
“Girls, pretty is, is pretty does”
Ladies sit with their legs crossed and never spit.
Should you need to burp-do so with your mouth closed. Say, “Excuse me” ASAP!
“Gas” was to be treated as the same. Should one ever “slip out”? Don’t discuss it. Say, “Excuse me” and move on. Because that’s what ladies do.
“Just say no to drugs, and large plaid or floral prints.” It’s best if big bottom girls stay with classic black, white or khaki.
Wear a slip.
It was “bottom” for sure. Never butt or any other foul allowed. And we knew it.
Purse/clutch staples: lip liner, lipstick and a ladies handkerchief.
Hygiene/grooming are to be done in private. That includes clipping nails or plucking your brow. Some things are better left a mystery.
Most sound marriage advice I’ve received still to date: “Keep him fed and happy in bed.”
“If you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say any thing at all.”
“It’s better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”
We were never allowed to say, “I hate you.” “I dislike you very much!!” was accepted but not encouraged.
“If in doubt don’t.” Applied to wardrobe as well as conduct and still does.
“Waste not, want not” Lest we forget she would direct us to the picture of a starving child sitting on the ground that hung above the stove.
Consider always that there will be someone better and worse off than you are.
We rarely had too much but we ALWAYS had enough.
*****
And these are just a few reasons why
“I want to be just like my mom when I grow up!”