Remember that book by Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten? It was on The New York Times Best Seller List back when I started college. I love that book. And in the spring of my sophomore year (17 years ago), Mr. Fulghum inspired me to write this piece for my mom for Mother’s Day. It’s been sitting in a frame on her dresser ever since (which proves that she is, quite possibly, the best mom EVER).

In the Tradition of Robert Fulghum…

Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned from my Mom

Always be on hand for hugs and kisses and kind words.

Vitamin C is a universal cure-all.

Hard work is good for the soul.

Take lots of pictures because they are memories you can cherish forever and ever.

Be a good friend.

Don’t under any circumstances miss your soap operas.

Be tolerant of offspring who seem to go through cash like it’s going out of style.

If you can’t find it, check where you had it last.

Clothes are most likely not dirty after a single wearing.

Remain calm and cheerful when dealing with pre-coffee-grouchy-non-morning people.

Be kind to children.

Give them lots of love.

Care for them and nurture them and teach them the ways of the world.

Put your all into everything.

Find the perfect prom dress even if it means driving 150 miles and ending up at bridal hell and spending a small fortune on a gown that is 26 feet around the bottom and has to be hemmed BEFORE Friday (and don’t complain once).

Leave cute post-its to make someone’s day brighter.

Listen intently and give good advice when someone is freaking out about something.

Wrap it up before you put it back in the fridge.

No matter what, DO NOT RUN OUT OF KASHI CEREAL.

Put on your walkin’ shoes and just do it.

Do not listen to mean 5th graders who make fun of your new shoes.

Be happy for all the things that you do have instead of wishing for the things you don’t.

Share your new sweater even when you get the feeling you won’t see too much of it once you do.

Always be there with open arms.

I LOVE YOU MOMMY! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
LOVE, JJ
May 12, 1991

P.S. You’ll see dad’s version on Father’s Day.