‘My mama told me’: Readers share their best advice from Mom

We asked readers to share the best piece of advice given by their mother. Here are their responses. Happy Mothers Day!

The best advice my mother gave me was included in letters she wrote me while I was in undergraduate school at Berry College. “KEEP ON KEEPING ON,” she wrote. “God will see you through.”

“KEEP ON KEEPING ON,” just four words of advice but they would ring out in my heart and mind through each challenge I faced while obtaining degrees at Berry College, Western Carolina University and the University of South Carolina. I drew endurance from these words of advice throughout my career in public school administration and even, today, as I face difficult tasks, I still feel their support.

E. Rabon Rodgers, Lexington

My mom would come home from her first job with a new purse or clothing item and tell her father (my grandfather) “it was on sale!” His response was always “it is not a bargain if you did not need it.” My 95-year-old mom, still frugal and healthy, repeats this advice and story to me and has for my entire life. She now shares this simple but effective line with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! While retailers may cringe reading this advice, it may be helpful for some who cannot live within their means.

Harrison Greenlaw, Columbia

Best advice from my mom: Complaint is poverty; Gratitude is riches.

Jodie W. McLean

My mother was a deeply religious woman. Not the hell and brimstone type but the kind, empathetic, caring person. who has served me well all my life. I champion the underdog, poor, those with no voice, the disabled the lonely and underappreciated.

It began when I was eight years old and my mother said she would give me a hundred dollars for every book of the Bible I read. I spent an entire summer reading the Bible while my brothers and friends played outside. I was completely absorbed in reading the Bible (King James Version) under the honeysuckle vines.

When I was through reading the Bible I asked my mother for the money. I was raised by a single mother of six children (all with their own special needs). My mother looked at me and said I couldn’t have possibly read the Bible or I would not want the money. I laughed because she was right of course, as she always was.

I taught Sunday School, attended church every time it was open. I also taught my two younger brothers to read and they were very successful in life. Never underestimate what a mother can teach you. Imagination, support, pushing your children and you will be forever bound to do the right thing.

Karla McGowan

The best advice my mother gave me was, “Be sure you are right with the Lord. He will give you wisdom, courage and guidance to live your life according to His purpose.” Reflecting on my life at age 81, I realize that having a Godly mother and grandmother are among my most cherished gifts. These gifts continue to multiply as I pass them on to my children and grandchildren. My cup overflows with blessings.

Carol Ann Flowers Green, Gilbert

My mother Catherine Johnson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2006. As it progressed, she mellowed, becoming less rigid, less authoritarian, developing a much sweeter, accepting nature. This was unexpected.

My parents’ lifestyle at their home had become increasing isolated. My father couldn’t drive, and my mother shouldn’t drive. The move into senior living, delayed as long as possible, turned out to be delightful, like going on a cruise! Some dear staff became like family members. New friends were made in the communal dining room. Mother began going to visit these friends. At three mealtimes every day, my father pushed my mother into the dining room in her wheelchair. She would enter as if she were on a parade float, smiling and waving. She would have my father pause at tables so she could say, “Hello, friend!” and shake hands. And the other residents responded, smiling to see her. The first Valentine’s Day at senior living, my parents were elected the Valentine King and Queen. My mother was very, very excited about this, wearing her crown an extra week, until my father hid it.

Mother’s outgoing “never meets a stranger” approach to this new stage in her life spilled over into the numerous medical appointments to which I escorted her. She smiled and waved at people in the waiting room, starting conversations with, “Hello, friend!” It was difficult to leave doctors’ offices because she was enjoying conversations so much, and the other person was so engaged in talking with her.

It seemed to me that greeting others in her environment with “Hello, friend!” was her ministry, her volunteer work. I began to admire it. It warmed the environment wherever she went. Though she died in 2013, I still carry in my heart her example of predictably saying, “Hello, friend!” When Alzheimer’s was peeling away my mother’s brainpower/self, God was still clearly with her, in her, shining through her.

Kay McCrary Columbia

The best advice that our mother has ever given us is that you can’t change how others act but you can change your own reactions, responses and behavior. Our mother truly lives by this motto. Even in the toughest of situations, her positive attitude never waivers. Gandhi once said be the change you want to see in the world. Our mom has shown us, that, by constantly striving to seek out the best in others, it is possible to live your life by these words. Thank you mom for this lesson and all the life lessons you continue to show us.

Sarah Partin

What’s the best advice your mother ever gave you? Don’t.

Doty Cheezem

My mother, Doris Blanding, always had a great piece of advice which was and still is her admonition to me, my sisters and her grandchildren whether married or not and single. She says, “You’re going to make it!”

All I could hear was the echo in my ears and mind, ‘you’re going to make it!’ I was somewhat impatient as a young girl, progressing into my adult life and all I heard was ‘you’re going to make it!’

I feel that my mom’s simple advice has helped me get through some very tough times throughout my life. I am able to use her advice, ‘you’re going to make it!’ with my daughter. She went through some of the toughest times she encountered, but believe me when I tell you I have her the same advice my mom gave to me, ‘you’re gong to make it!’ and she did!

Patricia Prescott, Columbia

This story was originally published May 9, 2015 at 8:48 PM with the headline "‘My mama told me’: Readers share their best advice from Mom."