Readers share Mom's words of wisdom

Jeanne Peterka, Grafton, N.D.:Mom's life was not an easy one, but her attitude was truly amazing. She was the oldest of five children and was expected to watch the younger ones. She was a very good student and graduated as slutatorian of a large class in the middle of the depression. Because of that achievement, she was awarded a college scholarship but had to turn down the scholarship because her father died during her senior year of high school. Back then, there was no Social Security program in place to care for widows and children. Mom gave up her college dream and got an office job to support her family. That was not the only hardship she had. She had many, but she didn't complain and never felt sorry for herself. She had sympathy for those, who she said, had worse problems. Her faith in God gave her strength and so did her positive outlook on life. How lucky I was to have her as a lasting example!

Mary Franklund, Thompson, N.D.:"Someday you’ll wish ..." My sisters and I used to argue a lot about whose turn it was to do the dishes. Mom would say: "Some day, one of you will be in one part of the country and the other one will be in another part of the country, and you’ll wish you could be together!" Of course, we just laughed. So today Mom, Happy Mother’s Day from your daughters: Julie in Oregon, Linda in Missouri, Mary in North Dakota, Carol in North Carolina, and your son, Mike in North Dakota, who never used to do dishes. My Mom is Juletta Kleinschmidt of Langdon, N.D.

Paul Hutchinson, Fairdale, N.D.: Here is a gem from mom (Elaine Hutchinson, Fairdale, N.D.), recited to all three of her boys. “If you weren’t there, it never would have happened!” Now, of course, this made no sense to us. Of course the event would have happened regardless if we had been there or not. It didn’t make sense until I had my own children and recited those very words when reprimanding them. Clearly we do end up or turn out to be our parents. Thanks, Mom, and Happy Mothers Day! Because if you weren’t there, WE never would have happened!

Marsha Klein, Drayton, N.D.: My mom, Pat Kemp, was a real down-to-earth person with a delightful sense of humor. She reared seven children, all of whom are happily married with families of their own, presenting her with 23 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Mama entered into eternal life on Oct. 4, 2004, but her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and her wonderful words of wisdom. She expected her children to obey and, when on rare occasions we didn’t, she would threaten: “If you don’t behave I"ll make you sit in the corner and you’ll get a square butt!" She had a large repertoire of life’s lessons. But the one that stood out most was: “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.”

Mary Ziebart, Portland, Ore.: My husband appreciates it and says that the most important thing I learned from my mother was how to cook! She knows a lot about nutrition and is still one of the best chefs around. My mother is Irene Mozinski from Minto, N.D.

Courtney Erickson, Grand Forks: My mom has taught me to love everyone unconditionally, with all of your heart, no matter what. Her name is Jule Stegman from Cavalier, N.D.

Janet Clark, Grand Forks: My mom always told me to think of what I was going to say before I said it. It definitely saved me some heartache over the years and that goes along with, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” Good sound advice. I come from a large family: five girls, one boy.

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Evelyn Torblaa, Grafton, N.D.: My mother, Mrs. Jess Porter of International Falls, Minn., had seven children. She was concerned about us choosing a life mate. She said: “If you meet them in a bar, at church, where ever, it usually determines the lifestyle. Don’t plan on changing them after marriage.”

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Billie Dixon, Grand Forks: “We love you whether you win or lose.” Stated by Shirley Dixon, Watford City, N.D.

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Kathy Mills, Grand Forks: My sister, Kari Metzger, wrote this tribute to our mother, Bev Barrett, after mom passed away last year. “One of our family games was to sit around and dream about what we’d do if we ever won lottery,” Kari wrote. “Mom did not have monetary wealth but still she made a difference in every one of our lives. Kathy is blessed with Mom’s huge heart and strong will, her gift of cooking and giving. Karen wears her emotions like Mom did and has Mom’s sweet heart. She cares for other and has Mom’s ears for listening. Kristy carries Mom’s joy. She’s able to reason and make sense of things and has Mom’s gentleness. Robby always wants people around him to feel good and happy. Like Mom, he takes things as they come and enjoys life. Kevin has Mom’s twinkle. He sees the humor in life but when things get serious he’s calm and helpful. Michelle has been blessed with Mom’s heart for children. She’s a doer and has Mom’s work ethic. I have been blessed with Mom’s ability to listen and to counsel. I have been blessed with her want to care for everyone. My mother did not have to win the lottery to leave an inheritance or a legacy. Her legacy is her children and her family.”

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Melissa Kueber, Aneta, N.D.: My mom was my greatest teacher; life lessons learned through laughter, compassion, hurt, and understanding; through every lesson I learned to love. I miss her every day.

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Denise Ratzlaff, Wales, N.D.: My mom’s words of wisdom to me were during my early high school years. Mom (Joyce Groseth of Grand Forks) was getting dressed and I was watching her. She said: “Always dress and look your best, even if you don’t feel like it. It will make you feel better.” Love you always, Mom.

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Lorraine Harmon, East Grand Forks: My mother always told me: “No matter how much money you make, don’t spend it all. You must leave some for seed.” Good Advice, and probably more prevalent, with today’s economy as it is. My mother’s name: Lenora J. Legg, Grand Forks. She is deceased.

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Jessi Rogalla, Grand Forks: My mother was Carole Rogalla of East Grand Forks. The most important thing I ever learned from her is a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. My mom passed away from cancer in 1997 when she was just 40 years old. I learned how fragile, short and beautiful life can actually be. She touched so many lives in her time on earth. She fought as hard as she could so she could stay with her family. It eventually ended up being God’s will for her to go be with Him. I cherish the time I had with her an try to make every moment with my loved ones count, just like she did.

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Paula Nowatzki, Grand Forks: My mom used to say, “If someone teases you, no matter how much it hurts, you never let them see you cry.” My mom’s name was LoraLee (Lori) Anderson and she was from Thief River Falls, Minn. She passed away June 3, 2007.

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Kelly White, East Grand Forks: The most challenging thing when talking about my mother is to keep it brief, but if I were to pick only one thing my mother taught me, it would be to forget my mistakes, but never, ever forget what I learned from them. Mother’s Day is always bittersweet for me because my Mom died on Mother’s Day 1990, which was also a time to celebrate my first Mother’s Day with my four-month-old son. Mom was my hero, my best friend and I miss her every day. She was Yvonne White from Minot, and she died at the way too young age of 57. I could write pages and pages of why I admired her.

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Joy Ust McLain, Hatton, N.D.: My mom was Tillie Rux Brovold of Portland, N.D. Her advice to me: “Count your blessings.”

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Barbara (Midgarden) Marks, Bird Island, Minn.: I grew up in the Hoople/Park River, N.D. When I was younger and I saw the world in black and white, my mother, Janet Midgarden of Park River, gave me the best advice I’ve ever received. It was simple and to the point: “Never say never.”

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Quinn Peterson, Grand Forks: It may not be the most important thing I ever learned, but definitely the most important thing I ever did because of my mom’s guidance and teaching. “Would you like to accept Jesus into your heart as your Savior and Lord?” And that prayer decision that I made changed the course of my life, not only for my time on earth, but for eternity! My mother is Chris Peterson, Campbell, Neb.

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Larry Grossman, Northwood, N.D.: The best advice my mother ever gave me, and which has been one of my life’s principles, is as follows: “Always be willing to do a little bit more than is expected of you.” I’ve followed this on any job I’ve ever had, and have passed on that advice to my own kids. My mother is LaVern (Herbel) Grossman of Grand Forks, formerly of Devils Lake.

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Amber Stack, born and raised in Oslo, Minn.: “Half of life is showing up.” “Sometimes your presence is the best present.”

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Connie Haller, Crookston, Minn.: My mother, Eunice Sondrol, formerly of Buxton, N.D., and now of Crookston, always taught us that we should never talk about anyone. She would tell us that sometimes you may not know who that person may be related to. Over the years I have found my mother’s lesson very valuable especially when reading an obituary.

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Richard Wakefield, Grand Forks: “Do your best and leave the rest.” My mother is Vicki Wakefield, Devils Lake.

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In honor of Mother’s Day, May 10, the Herald is asking readers: What’s the best advice your mother ever gave you? What was the most important thing you ever learned from her? E-mail your response to this address:

ptobin@gfherald.com.

Keep your response brief; they may be edited for length. Be sure to include your name, hometown and daytime telephone number, and your mother’s name and hometown. The deadline to respond is Thursday, May 7.

The Herald will publish some of the responses as part of a special Mother’s Day feature.

Tags: mom wisdom