If there’s one thing moms are never short on, it’s opinions (and snacks). In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked a group of local folks to share a memorable piece of motherly wisdom – words that stuck, shaped decisions, or simply made them feel loved.
From practical insight to heartfelt reminders and timeless guidance like “always wear clean underwear,” these nuggets of advice are a tribute to the women who raised us, loved us and taught us more than we ever realized at the time.
From my late mother, Georgianna Thomas: “Your work ethic and resilience will determine your success.”
– Judge Mary Hood
“The truth is only what people believe.” Until the events of this past decade, she couldn’t have fathomed how unbelievably wise and TRUE those words would prove to be.
– Phillip Krapohl, FIA Communications & Marketing Manager
Anytime I called my mom – venting about a hardship, heartbreak, rough patch, illness, or challenge – she’d say the same thing: “Things always work out for you.” Not just that things work out in general, or that life has a way of coming together, eventually; but that, specifically for me, things always work out. And she’s right. Somehow, they do. Somehow, they always have. Whether it’s Mom Magic, a self-fulfilling prophecy or just plain luck, one thing is certain: Mom always knows best. Especially when it comes to me.
– Alexandria Nolan-Miller, My City Contributing Writer
My mother was very frugal (some may call it cheap), but it did rub off on me. She opposed buying things on credit, often pointing out the difference between “needs” and “wants”. She said, “If you don’t have the cash, you really don’t need it.” Or, “If there is nothing wrong with your car, you don’t need a new one.” She also had a knack for repurposing everything, from clothing to household items, and giving them new life. Great lessons learned from a wise lady!
– Vera Hogan, My City Contributing Writer
My mom has a strong faith and would always tell us, “Prayer and time will help bad times pass.”
– Harvey Lee, Total Benefit Solutions
My mom was a first grade teacher who specialized in reading and had a passion for books. I remember when I was young, she told me, “We never throw away books in this household.” I still have a hard time getting rid of books I am finished with because of that!
– Dr. Chrisopher Douglas, Professor of Economics, UM-Flint
My mother told me, “You will never be bored with a book in your hand.” I have always read books and maybe that is why I own a bookstore.
– Karen Piacentini, Fenton’s Open Book
My mom is a pillar of strength, resilience and grit. She is a 30+ year breast cancer survivor and in the last couple of years, broke her leg, her back, became paralyzed and has rehabbed her way back to working out two days a week with a trainer. She taught me that when life gets tough, lead with love and simply show up tougher.
– Shannon White, Architect
My momma for me was my grandma. She would tell me, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so learn to cook and bake, and you will have a long and happy relationship.”
– Amber Taylor, Exec. Director, Back to the Bricks®
Several of my mom’s special pearls of wisdom about motherhood come to mind:
“Your son doesn’t need a perfect mom, just a present one.”
“Save your money – your kid will love the box more than the toy inside.”
“Mom guilt is a liar; if you’re worried about being a good mom, you already are one.”
“Being a mom is about showing up, day after day, no matter what – because being a mom isn’t something you do, it’s who you are and always will be.”
– Mindy Williams, President/CEO, Whaley Children’s Center
“God dealt you the cards – it’s up to you how you play them! In the realm of life, we have all had times when we are disappointed. Life’s not fair, get used to it! You can either crawl into a corner and sulk or you can grab the brass ring like you are on an out-of-control merry-go-round and do something about it. If you look in the mirror ten days in a row and don’t like the direction your life is taking you, change the direction you are going. Nothing is impossible, it is only hampered by your lack of belief in yourself.”
– Fred Hensler, Hensler & Associates Wealth Management
One of the greatest gifts my mom gave me was a full, unwavering belief that I could truly do whatever I put my mind to. I could tell my mom I was going to be a professional golfer, or astronaut, anything – and I knew there was not one shred of doubt in her mind that I would achieve my goal. That confidence and faith carried me at times. When life kicked me around and caused me to doubt myself, I knew my mom never did.
– R. David Gaines, GIA Diamond Graduate, President & Owner Gaines Jewelry
My Mom always told me, “It’s okay to make mistakes, just own up to it, learn from it and move forward.”
– Kim Davis, My City Controller/Circulation
“Whatever you’re struggling with, someone else is going through something much tougher.”
– Sherron Barden, My City Managing Editor
