The following article first appeared in Dolphin Talk in 1997.
Some of those interviewed then have since passed away.
We hope that for many of you, reading about them will bring back fond memories of these special folks, as we honor our mothers this Mother’s Day.
The above question was posed to 35 Port O’Connor residents, a cross-section of our population: store clerks, business owners, retired professionals, waitresses, fishermen and homemakers.
The most common response stated in various ways was “love and respect for others.” “My mother taught me to have respect for all people – to not prejudge others,” said Naomi Albrecht. “Always say ‘yes Ma’am, yes Sir, no Ma’m, no Sir,” said Lisa Blackman. Edward Lambright’s mother taught him “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
“Be loving and kind to others” was the lesson Irene Sorrow learned from her mother. A little twist of the ear let Irene know when she wasn’t following this Golden Rule. Dennis Raby’s mother taught him respect for others, not to interfere or cause trouble for others – the old adage “If you keep stirring a cow patty, you’ll soon get some on you.”
Bill Tigrett’s mother taught him respect and responsibility by giving them to him. At the age of eight, Bill became the “Man of the family.” His mother returned to school for her nursing degree and thereafter worked shift work. By age ten, Bill was shopping and cooking for the family and at 14 driving his mother and sister to and from work. “Mother would tell me how to do something once, and then be confident I could handle it – she had that much respect for me,” said Bill.
“Honesty” was the second on the list of most important things taught by mothers. “Always tell the truth, even if it hurts,” said Margaret Rogers. Ann Pesek said her mother always stressed honesty in dealing with others, relating it to the saying “What goes around, comes around.”
Several persons said the most important thing their mothers taught them was a belief in and love for God.
With nine children in the family, Rebeca Williams recalls the most important thing her mother had to say was “quit fussing.” Never talk back,” is embedded in Rose Smith’s memory. “Have a good attitude, express gratitude, say ‘thank you’,” says Vera McManus.
Kim Sonnier especially admires the gentleness of her mother. Kathy Emrick says her mother taught her loyalty.
Sarah Riley remembers her mother and a good friend would go on all day hikes with Sarah, a preschooler, tagging along. They would walk for hours, stopping to have a picnic lunch and returning home just in time to cook supper. Sarah’s mother kept up a walking regimen all her 89 years and Sarah says she has learned from that how important it is both mentally and physically to get out and walk.
Joane McDonough’s mother taught her “cleanliness is next to godliness.” “Smile – it doesn’t cost you anything,” June Pitonyak’s grandmother used to say.
Helen Neal remembers the advice her mother gave her when Helen, as a young mother, had to go to work in a bar to support herself and her child. “You can be a lady no matter where you are.”
And Dick Rogers still follows the most important advice his mother ever gave him: “Always have on clean underwear.”
If the reader would allow this writer a moment of personal indulgence, I would like to dedicate this article and this issue of The Dolphin to all the wonderful mothers who have gone on to their reward and, especially to my mother, Ima Christ Joachimi, a lady of few words, who taught by example lessons I’m still trying to learn: work hard; don’t complain; if you set your mind to it – you can do it.
