MotherPower4

In the words of young Audrey Marshall, "Mother takes care of you when you're a baby. She helps you when you're in trouble. She's always there for you. If she isn't -- nobody is."

"Witnessing the 'metamorphosis' of two newborns from wrinkled, squashed, red faces into a handsome man and a beautiful woman -- both of whom have chosen service to others as their vocation -- has brought incredible joy to this mother's heart. Now, as time passes, whenever I
see my grandchildren, it gives me a wonderful sense of continuity."
- Macie Blankenship

Nashville waitress Jeanette Bolte had this to say about her Mom: "Like an anchor for a ship on troubled waters, my mother was always there to keep me from drifting aimlessly. She was a person who listened when I talked, cheering me up when I was down and telling me how proud she was -- giving encouragement when I did good. Mom was someone who shared my laughter or tears. She was my best friend and I miss her now that she's gone!"

Everyone's favorite "Golden Girl," actress Betty White, had this to say about her Mom: "My beloved 'MUZ' left me with many legacies, but the two most important: (1) Don't lose your sense of humor -- about others and about yourself. (2) Be sure you can look back into the mirror and make eye contact."

"I love my mommy. She takes care of me. If I have children someday, I will love them, feed them, and take care of them like mommy." - said a young girl named Olivia Thomas

In this era of "individualism" where outrageous behavior is seen on all sides, things like "good manners," "polite conversation," "happy family gatherings," "visiting elderly relatives," "doing favors for our neighbors" or just taking a nice walk along a country trail on a sunny day are not typical activities bringing the kinds of excitement many young people seem to crave. Maybe our modern
"too busy mothers" could do more to remind their children about the many little things in life that they've been missing? Case in point: Retired correctional administrator Sid Raper enjoys a particular nutritious food, saying: "My mother once told me that I was the only child she knew that liked boiled okra."

Wouldn't it be foolish for an intelligent person to
ignore the proven wisdom and personal advice
from those who have had the good sense,
knowledge or "luck" needed to succeed in Life?

Denton A. Cooley, M. D., had this to say: "Of all the moral guidance my mother gave me, her emphasis on the importance of compassion for others was the most meaningful for me -- and certainly influenced my decision to become a physician."

Nashville physician Melanie Dunn, M. D., shared these words: "Mothers are an incredible source of support. Whenever I have been afraid to take a chance, my mom has always encouraged me to follow my heart."

"My parents, expecially
my mother, felt that each generation should step up and do a little more, and
be a little better. Since we
were very limited from the standpoint of economics,
the best way to attain success was through education," advises
Buris R. Boshell, M. D.

Governor Bob Miller of Nevada sent a concise note that is right to the point of this subject: "A mother not only gives life but she forms and sustains the essence
of her children."

"One Sunday when I was still a youngster, I didn't want to attend church," recalled Connie Knight. "My mother asked, 'Why?' I explained
to her, it was because hypocrites were there. She responded by saying, 'You're not to judge them, but be responsible only for your own sins.' Her words have remained with me throughout my entire adult life."