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Ah, our mom and dad! Brave, noble, with respect and humility, our parents are our mentors, our disciplinarians, our friends and most of all, they love us very much.
Let me tell two vignettes that are both very funny, but with an emphasis on vital traits that you can use today….
The Magic Purse
To describe my mom, well, she is very proactive. Ingenious. Definitely a go-getter. In her grace, my mom is both dignified and intelligent.
Even in her appearance, she is the cat’s meow. Like 99.9% of the other women in the world, she loves shopping whether it is clothes, shoes, purses, etc., etc. However, in my world, definitely, the purses win the race hands-down.
Why?
Because my mom has a Magic Purse.
That’s right, a Magic Purse.
What I have discovered over time is that my mom packs everything imagined in her purse; organize to a T. Really. Honestly. I tell you no lie.
Yep, at any moment, day or night, she can whip out her purse almost instantaneously to aid anyone at anytime. For instance:
I asked my mom, “Do you have some loose change in your purse, please?”
My mom replied, “Certainly, here you go.”
“Kleenex?”
“Sure.”
“Moist toilette?”
“Absolutely.”
“An old picture of me when I was five years old?”
“Presto.”
“Six golden medallions from Spain?”
“At the bottom of my purse.”
“Three iron rods of equal length and height?”
“I actually have four, would you like one extra, too?”
In all seriousness though, my mom brings qualities that everyone can appreciate:
- benevolence
- helpfulness
- creativity
- thoughtfulness
These words are the heart and soul of a compassionate foundation.
Something to Drink
My dad was a kind gentleman with a great tenderness and an inquisitive mind. Originally a chemist, particularly a rocket scientist (honest Injun), in the early 70s, he changed careers and worked for years in real estate, specifically commercial and industrial fields.
He was tenacious, but loyal, organized, but not over-the-top. He was a planner, through and through. I miss my dad very much; he passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS, but his spirit moves to me every single day.
Fortunately, one of the chuckles I always remember was when he was having guests; definitely, he was the “Hostess with the Mostess.” Because sales were his specialty, he would be very gracious, but resolute as well. An example, offering a guest a drink:
My dad inquired, “Would you like something to drink?”
The guest politely said,: “No, but thank you.”
“No, please, what can I offer you? Some coffee?”
“No, thank you again.”
Pause…”How about tea, I could make it hot or cold if you’d like?”
“Thank you once again, I am fine.”
Pause…”Hot chocolate?”
“No.”
Pause… “Beer? Perrier? Water?”
“Alright, alright; I will have some coffee, please.”
“Superb, right away… How about something to nibble on?”
Now again, I exaggerate this point, but my dad always made one feel welcome and at home. That was one of his biggest strengths. To be consistent and persevere, no matter what the cost. To be upbeat and cheerful, but with the greatest responsibility of what one wishes to do.
Traits
So, what about your mom and dad? What traits do you remember about your parents that are meaningful and touching that you can that you can keep and use today?