May 12, 2023

Be Our Guest / Ann Wolski

On Mother’s Day—and every day— remember her rules to live by

Ann Wolski“No wearing white shoes after Labor Day.” I’ve heard this fashion advice all my life. Because I look up to my Mom, I follow her directive and dutifully put away my white sandals at summer’s end.

Of course, this is the same Mom who encouraged me to “eat my peas [yuck] because there are so many starving children in China.” I am pretty sure kids halfway around the world don’t like peas any more than I do, especially leftover peas.

Another favorite saying was, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Consequently, my teenage years were pretty much spent in silence.

Luckily, Mom shared other “pearls of wisdom” that have become far more important than saving me from a fashion faux pas. These gems include:

  • Believe in the power of God and Jesus Christ—thank heaven I’m not totally in charge.
  • Love one another and yourself—you be you and let others be themselves. Everyone is of value.
  • Be grateful for life’s opportunities—there are no coincidences so look for the good in every situation.
  • Be thankful for your blessings—you have so many.
  • Be kind to the world—throw away your trash!

I send up lots of prayers for the wisdom, the guidance and the strength to survive another day following Mom’s life guidelines. Some days, my prayers are answered. Some days, all I can pray for is another day to do better. Some days “don’t wear white” and “watch what you say” are the only things I achieve.

And maybe that’s OK.

But, sorry Mom, I will never, ever eat my peas.
 

(Ann Wolski is a member of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis.) †

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