Lessons Learned and Borrowed ~ I’ve Become my Parents

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “I’ve Become My Parents.”

We were raised to speak clearly and well. Clarity and vocabulary were hallmarks of our childhood.  My mother would tell us it costs nothing to give a compliment and it will make someone feel so good.  Today, when I do it, I have been told by some people that it is strange or unusual. Perhaps, that is why it needs to be done more often because it makes someone else feel extraordinary. Truly, who does not want to be appreciated for the nice things that they say or do?

The courtesy and manners instilled into us meant that “Please” and “Thank You” were used liberally.  The appreciation was sincere and meant. One of the sweetest memories I have of such teaching occurred while my child and I were shopping for groceries.  He was four years old and we headed for the checkout counter to pay.  After we had paid at the register, but before we had moved on, my son looked at the cashier and said “Thank You.”  Flowers bloomed in her face and light came into her eyes that she was acknowledged for her service and not just someone that people were rude to or ignored.  I was so proud that the lessons I tried to impart were heard and shared with others.

One of the other famous refrains in our house was the accuracy and use of our words.  For years, in repeating a story, we would say “he goes” or “she goes,” to explain what the person had said.  People do it all the time. However, when that occurred my father would solemnly tell us “He didn’t go anywhere. He said.”  My children still hear that refrain from me when they are speaking.  I cannot hear someone talk that way without feeling the trigger response.

Appreciation, communication, gratitude, and respect were cornerstones of our upbringing.  Seen from an adult perspective, that is the sum of all the little reminders and teachings each day of our young lives. How blessed we were to witness this as my parents modeled such behavior.

So, although I could keep going on about the lessons our parents taught us, I will not. That’s what she said.

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