Take the high road

Sherri T.

 

Thank you to all the dear friends who shared with WOOM the wise words of their mothers.  Their words continue to resonate – perhaps now more than ever.

Growing up, it was not unusual to experience the trials and tribulations of the teenage years.  High school could be a war zone at times and the mean girls were the enemy. 

Whenever tough situations would arise, my mother would always reply: “Just remember: Height is measured from the neck up.”

She made me so angry when she said that.  I had no idea what she was talking about.  I gave angst and got analogy.  I wanted solidarity and got soliloquy.  It felt like I was talking to myself.

It’s only now – much later − that I appreciate her words.  She was basically telling me to walk tall. 

She never actually used that expression.  But I use these words because they capture the intent of her message.  Walking tall has nothing to do with walking.  Nor does it have anything to do with tall.

Walking tall is about being a good person.  It’s about having the right values that respect others, respect difference and appreciate people for who they are − not for what they have.

There are so many aspects to walking tall, including the wise words of Marjorie’s mother.  Libbie would say: “It’s better to give than to receive.”  The words of Marjorie’s father are also important guides: “Don’t do anything in the day that will keep you up at night.”

Walking tall is about taking the high road.  It’s about acting with wisdom.  It’s about what Ray, mother of Michelle told her children: “Take the high road.  It’s less crowded up there.”

 It includes these wise words of Belle, mother of Rhoda: “If you have a choice, choose nice.”  My mother would caution: “If you don’t have anything nice to say about somebody, don’t say anything.”

The mother of Sara would advise: “Don’t be too quick to judge.”  That’s because everyone has a story.  You never know what they may be experiencing and what they choose to share.  Just halt with the fault.

I think I finally get it.  My mother’s words now make sense.   She was telling me that our stature in this world is measured not by inches but by a different yardstick.  Our humanity.