Tomorrow is a new day
Sherri T.
Perhaps for the first time in history, the world is joined by a common dream for the future: being able to hug our dear family and friends.
We long for the day when getting together means being present in the same room. When we can be seen with no screen. When zooming means heading somewhere quickly because we’re anxious to be together – for real.
Looking back, however, is not a single or simple story.
For me personally, it was a year of lessons from the heart: the wise words that our mothers have shared. To keep us safe. To keep us sensible. To keep us sensitive.
Here are just a few takes on their take-care-of-yourself and take-care-of-others advice.
My mother: “Always wear clean socks.” Why? If you go out, you may have an accident, you may end up in hospital, you may need an operation…….
Dana’s mother was concerned with presentable looks: “Is that what you’re wearing?”
Libbie was more direct with dear friend Margie: “You don’t look well. Put on some make-up.”
Then there was Barbara’s mother who was not afraid to go the extra mile: “That’s not becoming on you.”
Min would advise special friend Betsy: “You can’t dance at every wedding.” Her message? You can’t be everywhere and do everything. Life is not simply a count of moments but rather moments that count.
Words of my mother: “If you don’t have anything nice to say about anyone, don’t say it.”
She would also remind me: “Do the right thing by people” – though it has taken me years to figure out what she meant. I’m still learning.
Ray would advise dear friend Michelle: “Take the high road. There’s less traffic up there.”
As we bid farewell to 2020, the wise words of our mothers can also help us look forward to the new year: “This too shall pass.” “Tomorrow is a new day.”
On that positive note, I am putting a short pause on WOOM. Time to stop and smell the roses.
Thank you WOOM readers for your support, memories and funny stories. I will carry your words – and those of our mothers – in my heart forever.