As we finished up our lunch, and gathered the garbage to discard, my mother announced to me, “I really need your opinion on something.”
“OK,” I said as I took a final sip of soda. “What?”
“The new sofa for the living room,” she explained as she stood up and put her pocketbook on her shoulder. “I was at the store yesterday, and I picked out two sofas that I really like, but I can’t decide which one to get.”
“Ok,” I smiled wide. “Sounds like a perfect job for me!”
We made our way to the store. The man who helped my mom the day before eagerly greeted her. “Have you made a decision Mrs. R”, he asked.
“Not, yet,” she honestly answered. “I want my daughter to look at them.” She continued walking leading the way. She pointed out two sofas that were completely different. One was leather and modern, the other was fabric and conservative. The leather one was a cream color, and the fabric was a rich brown with a slight design. These two pieces of furniture couldn’t be more different. No wonder she couldn’t decide…
“So, which one do you like better,” She asked right as the salesman appeared.
I scrunched up my face and thought really hard about it, although I knew right away which one I liked better. I was always a modern girl after all. “The leather one!” I announced almost screaming my reply.
The salesman looked at me, and tried hard to suppress his eye roll.
“It’s decided then,” my mom said to him. “I will take the leather one.”
The salesman had disbelief in his eyes. “You are listening to her?” He said the word “her” as if it was a dirty word.
“Yes, I am. I trust her opinion.” She replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
The salesman was about to say something. Question her further, perhaps, but as soon as he opened his mouth to reply, she asked, “and how soon can this be delivered?”
Looking back, I don’t blame the salesman for being confused, or watching this exchange in disbelief. After all, this didn’t happen last week or even last year. This took place thirty-two years ago. I was six!
For as long as I could remember, my mom never treated me like a child. She treated me as an adult and always exposed me to many situations so that I would be prepared when I got older. She always asked me for my opinions. She may not have always decided to do what I wanted, like with this sofa, but she always listened to my thoughts and reasons and valued them. She still does. Her confidence in me was instrumental in my growth and development.
Growing up, my mom would always tell me, “think highly of yourself, because if you don’t no one else will…” It took me a while to really listen to that gem. But eventually I did, and I know that she was right. If I look back, I know that my self-confidence is directly responsible to how my mom treated me as a very little girl. And while my mom taught me many things, and shaped my life, I feel that this is one of the best lessons she ever gave me…. Without which, I know I wouldn’t be in the same place….making any of my successes, ours…..
Happy Mother’s Day Mom! I love you more than you can ever imagine!!!
What is the best lesson your mom ever taught you?
