Things My Mom Taught Me

As Mother’s Day approached, I spent some time thinking about all of the things that my mom has taught me. I don’t think you can over-express to anyone the gratitude, love, and thankfulness that you have for them. I hope this post will inspire you to reflect on the things that your own mom has taught you and to share them with her.

Things my mom taught me:

The love you have for your children far outweighs the love you have for yourself. My mom dedicated her life to being a mom. She always put us (my two brothers and I) first. She spent countless weekends hauling me to and from soccer tournaments, put up with me when my room looked like a tornado or when I was being a brat, and always made sure I had everything I needed from toilet paper to Doc Martens. I am not sure if the Doc Martens were a need or a want but she made sure I had them anyways. I can’t even remember one time that she chose her own needs over ours. To me, this selfless love, is the pure definition of mom.

People will forget what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. My mom always did and still does make me feel special. There is just no feeling like the one you have when your mom gives you her love.

Periods are better with chocolate. When I started my period my mom came home from the store with pads and Hershey kisses. From that moment on, I always knew that a little chocolate goes a long way during your period.

Food brings family together. To me, food is love. I grew up in an Italian family and I learned at an early age that food has the power to bring everyone together. My mom (and dad) have always enjoyed cooking for an army. Whether it’s my immediate family, extended family, or friends, everyone looks forward to getting together for a meal, especially when my mom and dad are cooking!

Friends come and go but family lasts forever. I can remember my mom telling me this when I was younger. As a kid, I didn’t think much about it, but looking back, some of my best memories are from the times we spent with cousins, siblings, aunts, and uncles. As I have gotten older, my brothers have become some of my (and Cody’s) best friends and I know they will always be there for me and vice versa.

When you are sick your mom is the one who can comfort you best. As a kid, she would put a cold washcloth on my head and set a puke bucket by my side when I was sick. She would scratch my back, change the channel, set up a bed on the couch, and a pour a 7-Up for me. All of these little things truly did make me feel better as a kid. As an adult, she calls to check on me, will pick up medicine at the store, and will make me her homemade chicken and noodles. Honestly, when you are sick, there is no replacement for your mom.

Nobody makes a turkey sandwich like your mom. I don’t about you but everything tastes better when your mom makes it, even if it is a turkey sandwich.

To create traditions. We grew up with traditions like going up to Boyne City, MI for the 4th of July, spending Thanksgiving in Cadillac, MI, having fettuccine alfredo and steak on Christmas, having grass hopper brownies for dessert on my birthday, and many more. I look forward to these traditions and it makes me excited to create my own family traditions in the future. These are the types of things that are remembered.

All of the essentials in life. Let’s not take away from the fact that my mom taught me all of the essentials in life–how to hold a fork, how to tie my shoes, how to put on my clothes, how to brush my teeth, how to blow my nose, and the list goes on. That deserves a shout-out all on it’s own. Pretty much because of her I am functioning member of society.

I am so thankful that my mom is alive and healthy. She is still teaching me things to this day. She is truly one of my best friends. I look forward to spending time with her, reminiscing on old memories, and creating new ones. For those of you who have lost your mom, I am sorry that she is not here to celebrate in body today, but know that she will always be with you in heart. Take time today to tell your mom and/or your other loved ones how much you love them.