Some Things I have Learned from Various Mothers over the Years

My mom taught me how to read and write.

My grandma taught me how to sew.

My nana taught me that whimsical things are delightful.

Sandy taught me how to knit.

Valerie taught me how to make fried rice, pesto, and spaghetti sauce.

Barb taught me that I can sweep the rugs, they don't need to be vacuumed.

Tammie taught me that it's okay to keep things simple and straightforward.

Peggy taught me that sometimes practical steps can help cultivate an abundance mindset.

Maralee taught me how to bake apple-cake.

Melody, and many others, taught me how sweet it is to be surrounded by a community of people cheering you on and building you up.

Karen taught me to use a toothbrush to rub in the spray-n-wash to get out stubborn stains.

Jalene taught me what signs to look for to discern how vulnerable a person's spiritual walk is as I'm seeking to support, encourage, and build people up.

Lynette taught me about parenting, and the difference between a bill and an explanation of benefits.

Marie taught me that it is important in parenting to "let them struggle", so they can have the joy and satisfaction of overcoming challenges on their own, even something as small as a toddler struggling to climb up onto the couch.

Roseanne taught me how to make biscuits and gravy the easy way, by sprinkling the flour over the meat first so you don't have to spend so much time whipping it into the liquid.

Nora taught me how to babywear with different carriers.

Colleen taught me about the value of emotional self-care in trying times.

Chantelle taught me that when one is willing to sit and talk, linger, not rush away, deep conversations can happen and lasting bonds can be formed over the scriptures even in a single evening.

Kellsey taught me how to use a breastmilk pump and how to trim a baby's nails.

Dawnmarie taught me that Marco Polo is a brilliant way to stay in touch, and that keeping friendly chatter fosters sweet friendship even over many miles of distance.

Hannah taught me that "I can do anything for 2 minutes", is a great way to think about the contractions of natural birth.

Kristen taught me that natural birth, "extended" breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and attachment parenting in general are sweet, precious, a delightful way to meet the emotional needs of a precious little person who is not little for very long.

Rosalind taught me how to check for signs of a concussion, how to drive in the snow, and that there's nothing awkward about a mother nursing her child in public.

Ashley taught me the phrase "germ-friendly", a mindset that is very beneficial to have.

Jan taught me that it was common knowledge in the previous generation that "a kid's gotta eat so much dirt in order to build up a healthy immune system".

Rachel taught me how to make lunch wraps and strawberry peanut butter breakfast toast.

Bonnie taught me that one can age graciously, exuding sweetness despite a lifetime of dealing with this earth.

Susan taught me how to make Brazilian rice.

.... These are the ones that come to mind, but I'm sure there are many more. Life is made up of little moments, and the little things that we receive from and contribute to others matter. I am grateful to all the mothers who have invested in me over the years. I was once a young woman, but now I am a middle-aged woman who feels like an older woman. I will continue to be a learner my whole life, and I will also pass on the things I've learned to others as well. I hope others are inspired, as I am, to ponder and value the contributions you can make to others, and the contributions others have made to you.