Moms and grandmas teach us a lot. Always ready to give practical or ethical advice, their wise words of empowerment provide thoughts and ideas to live by and apply daily. Their simple lessons provide confidence and become the foundation of how well you love others and see the world.
Without even realizing it, it’s their voices echoing inside your head, and sometimes, in this chaotic and unpredictable world, it flies out of your mouth and lands on the ears of your children and friends. Their theories and thoughts become those you share in this stress-filled age of the superwoman as you fulfill multiple roles at home, in the workplace, and even in your personal life. Whether you like or dislike the messages, they are usually correct, and here are a few of the greatest life lessons provided by South Mississippi mothers and grandmothers.
Enthusiasm For Books
Award-winning, four-time novelist Johnnie Bernard said her mother taught her numerous admirations for the written word. Bernard is a former English teacher and a former journalist. She is a current bestselling author with her fourth and newest book Hannah and Ariela, which just hit the bookstore shelves and the internet. Her mother was an avid reader and encouraged Bernard to explore books and their many journeys.
“I am grateful for her lessons of cooking, service, and literature along with a deep appreciation of the natural world,” Bernard said.
Bernhard also learned the value of time spent between a parent and child. “My best memories of my mother were when I shared alone time with her,” said Bernhard, one of six children. “It all comes full circle with my adult children sharing that same appreciation. I am grateful she took the time to model these things to me, despite the many demands of a large family and her service to our church community.”
Enjoy Life
Longtime educator Jeanine Hunt said her mother taught her to live fully, whether taking a much-needed vacation or spending a little time at home with friends and family.
“It doesn’t matter what you do, just get out and do it,” Hunt said. “Mom still blows and goes to this day and always tells me she enjoys my Facebook posts because I’m always doing something with friends and she knows I’m enjoying life.”
Smile
Mandy Dunn’s grandmother taught her to smile and be polite. “To everyone, even strangers,” Dunn said. “Because you never know what the other person may be going through. Your smile and kindness may be what saves them. People also remember you for being this way. She also taught me that no matter how hurt I feel, I need to always find peace with it and try to find a way to embrace it. She taught me to look for the good in the pain because it’s a lesson from God. Pretty hearts make pretty girls.”
Look For This in a Man
Aimee Nailer’s mom once said to her, “You want a man that treats you like he treats his mother.” That must be sound advice because Nailer and her husband, Kevin, will celebrate 26 years of marriage this month and have two incredible children.
Persevere Through Opposition
Monica Cooper’s mother taught her to defy, defeat, and push through obstacles. “She would say, there is more than one way to skin a cat,” Cooper said. “Her coaching taught me never to give up, and to keep trying. I have learned to be more strategic in my moves, and to make better decisions.”
Family First
Madison Morgan’s mom constantly reminds her to call or text her grandparents. “Even though I’m great at checking in with them, I do get busy and put it off,” Morgan said. “I get a Sunday morning reminder from my mom to check on them and to always remember family always comes first.”
