3 Things I Learned from My Mom

by Ellen Hogarty

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and it’s bittersweet for me now. My mom passed away a year and a half ago, and I still miss her every day. I was reflecting on how much she influenced me in many positive ways. I want to share three things she taught me that I hope to preserve and keep alive in my life.

1. Be quick to compliment

We grew up with a lot of affirmation as my mom complimented us on our strengths and talents. I can see how this helped shape my siblings and me into confident adults who are comfortable sharing our unique gifts in the workplace and community. My mom felt strongly that positive comments or feedback should be shared. If she heard something nice said about someone, she tried to pass it along. In today's world, which can be harsh, negative, and mean, I want to follow my mom's example and be quick to compliment and affirm the people in my life.

2. Laughter is the best medicine

My sister, my mom, and I enjoying a laugh together.

I inherited my mom's quirky sense of humor, and sometimes it was only she and I laughing at a joke that no one else found funny. But there's no question that laughter filled our home often and regularly. It's not that we didn't have our share of hardships, financial crises, health scares, and arguments, but no matter how bad things got, laughter always entered in at some point and sweetened the trial. To be joyful is a choice and keeping one's sense of humor alive is key. I want to laugh heartily and often, as my mom did, and share that joy with others.

3. You’re only as old as you think you are

Mom, at age 85, with the statue she was refurbishing.

My mom was 90 years old when she died, but until the last year or so of her life, she spoke about “the elderly” as if she was not a part of that group. She had decided many years earlier that as she got older, she would only spend 5 minutes talking about her aches and pains and then move on.

She was always planning her next trip and took art lessons through her 80s to improve her painting skills. She got her driver's license renewed at the age of 85 (although that one caused us tremors), and around the same time, was commissioned to refurbish a statue of Our Lady of Fatima in an outdoor public garden, which she happily took on.

I am so grateful for my mom and what she passed on to me. Until my own death, I hope I have as much vitality and zest for life as my mom did.

Happy Mother’s Day

Mothers rank high at the top of my heroes list, and I know so many amazing moms—those who have biological children, those who have adopted children, and those who have spiritual children. I salute you all and leave you with this heartfelt blessing:

May the Lord bless you and keep you and every one of your children.
May He let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, your children, your grandchildren, your godchildren, and any children you have nurtured.
May He look upon you kindly and give your family and all of your loved ones peace. Amen.