DEAR READERS: My mother will be 98 years old on May 13, so we've always celebrated her birthday and Mother's day together. Sometimes they fell on the same day.
Anyway, this is just to share some of her words of wisdom that she shared with us.
– When I asked her why she made sure we went to school to learn to read. Her response was that just in case we wanted to go to Sangre Grande no one would put us on a bus going to San Fernando.
– About education, again she would say, “It's always better to say, ‘here it is’, rather than ‘where is it?’”(the “it” being one’s certificates).
– When we did not always understand why she said or did something, she would tell us the story about the little pig who asked his mother why her nose was so long. The mother pig would answer, "Bambi go see am", which translates, "Later you will see.”
– If you came home late she would ask if you were Nicodemus. If you don't know who Nicodemus is read the Bible story about Nicodemus who came to Jesus in the night (Jn 3).
– If you work for 25 cents always save five cents because when something happens people would say you had been working all your life and now you have no money. Don't let this happen.
She also told us that even if you are upset with something your brother/sister had done, regardless of how the “corn share”, he/she is your brother/sister.
Also if your brother/sister is sick, make sure and carry a clean sheet in case they don't have one and make sure the place is clean before you call anyone.
– If you don't have salt cook without it because your neighbour must never know to throw it back in your face.
– When you have girl children never bad talk someone's else's child.
– Never envy someone what they may have because you don't know how they got it; they might have pulled the devil's tail.
– When things go somewhat wrong don't worry because God is love.
There are many more pearls of wisdom we got from a woman who never finished primary school, but whom God blessed with His own wisdom. We did not always understand her sometimes cryptic words, but now we her children understand and pass them on.
So mother, I know you will not be able to read this yourself but I trust that one of us can do it for you. I cannot be there to give you a kiss so I'm sending you one like the young people do "Muah" a big one.
Thanks for all you've given to us over the years and may God continue to bless and keep you. Love you.
Lynette Rodriguez via email |