Lessons learned at Mama's knee

"Everything I ever learned that gets me thru the worst, I learned at my Mama's knee. "Now, anytime I've turned around, I turn to Mama first." From Footloose I heard these words in the song "Mama Says" at the recent St. Paul High musical. I laughed along with others at the words and at myself. As a Mama and an Amma, I am known for sharing wisdom, some welcomed, some not! As Mother's Day approaches, I've been thinking about these words and my Moms. Yes — I've had many. My Mom died when I was 11. Dad married Ginny when I was 17. I had 2 strong and educated grandmas, both born in the late 1800's! And dozens of women mentors, from my 4H years, to the Catholic Church, to the mayor's office. How powerful and precious were the lessons I learned from these women! With Mother's Day approaching I was reflecting on their wisdom. In a country and community too angry and more and more hate-filled, perhaps it's time we all turn back to the wisdom learned at our mother's knee. Perhaps some of those important lessons most pertinent in these times are: • When you are knocked down get back up. Very helpful in a house where I had 4 big brothers plus 4 stepbrothers!! A lesson on resilience, to learn from your mistakes, keep working for the things you believe in, and "most anything worth having, won't come easy." A big help to me in my life as I've had many failures. • What is good for the goose is good for the gander. A lesson on fairness. Don't impose rules that you don't follow. Don't change them in the middle of the game. The rules are the same for your team as they are mine. Mama taught this lesson with cherry pie. "You can cut the pie, but your sister gets to pick the first slice." Though I often chose the small slice! (Reference lesson 1.) • Take responsibility. Do what has been assigned. BIG rule in our mom-less household and the many chores on a hog farm. Own the responsibilities you've accepted, whether in a family, a job or our community. Importantly — own your mistakes. Acknowledge them. Learn from them. A lesson made more palatable by Grandma's words, "Remember—you'll never reach perfection in this life!" • Do the right thing. Have the courage to do the right thing even when it is hard. This lesson integrates the three lessons above and many others. It allows us to sleep at night and to look ourselves in the mirror each morning. It is the essence of Integrity. As answered in my many interviews by teenage student ambassadors, "What is integrity? It is doing the right things even when no one is looking!" Amen. • Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The Golden Rule. A core value of our country. It is the foundation for most faith traditions, dating back possibly as far a 551 BCE. It is also known as the Ethic of Reciprocity, about love for others and equality for all. In some faiths, the bar is set even higher. "Love one another as I have loved you." It is listed last here, because for me it is the most important And perhaps the best starting point to address the wrongs in our community and our country. This Sunday — hug your Mom(s) — and say thanks. Sue Lesch is a Norwalk resident and former Norwalk mayor.