Many years ago, as a young child, I purchased my Mother a gift when she was in the hospital. It is a pot painted with purple orchids and it came with flowering bulbs to plant, which has a little saying on it "A Mother's love fills the world with happiness." Every trinket that I bought or made over the years, my mother cherished. Now, of course I always knew was to WHY she cherished them and WHY the lovely words made her smile.... my Mom loved me. But now, looking back, I never even knew the impact of the items I gave her inscribed with poems devoted to the love of a Mother, nor did I understand what these expressions of my affection meant to Mom. To me, they were just tokens, simple gifts really, but to her they held so much more meaning.
There was something Mom gave me before she died... a framed card, very old and worn looking... she always had it on her bedroom dresser for as long as I could remember. In fact, this is the very last thing she gave me. I always thought why do you want that ugly thing? And as I sit here in my bedroom and look over at it, I cannot help the tears from welling in my eyes. I know now why she had it there, on the dresser where she stood every morning and got dressed. And the words on it, they ring so true, and not just for mothers and children, but the people that touch our lives, for good or bad.
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.
Edited by - MrMoe on 9 February 2003 9:37:7