If my mother ruled the world, there would be a lot more gutsy people imbued with a sense of adventure and a healthy curiosity about what's beyond the garden gate. My mother came to this country from Norway in her early 20's, leaving her post as the Prima Ballerina of Oslo, to find out what was happening on the other side of the world. I have a spectacular picture of her leaving Oslo, with an enormous bouquet and a smile a mile wide to match. Today, she and my father still travel extensively, and not to Palm Springs, thank you. They are the definition of intrepid, seeking the most interesting experiences and environments across the globe. I admire them greatly.
If my mother ruled the world, people would worry less about where they'd been, if they'd ever be able to be that "good" again, and would instead look with wide eyed wonder and joy at what's coming next, even if what's on deck is difficult, frustrating, and perhaps even painful. My mother has lived through two major re-builds on the lower half of her body and is in better shape today than she was even 10 years ago. This is based on her fortitude, self discipline and understanding that you build your own silver platter, it doesn't get handed to you. She doesn't look back unless it's to learn a lesson or two. To her, the forward horizon is the much more interesting perspective.
If my mother ruled the world, no animal would go hungry or experience mistreatment of any kind. Friends have often publicly wished to come back as a dog/cat/squirrel/bird in my mother's household, and with good reason. A strong supporter of both wild and domesticated species, I too would welcome the opportunity to come back and join her small menagerie. This cat, named Bushy-Tail is their 3rd stray, lives in their grotto, and is waiting her turn to live in the house which is currently ruled by an amazingly domineering 18 year old kitty named Millie.
If my mother ruled the world, no spouse would go hungry or be mistreated either. For such a forward thinking gal, she's pretty old fashioned when it comes to managing hearth and home. Dad gets hot meals, clean clothes, ironed shirts and control over the remote. In return, Dad provides solid support for her interests (even while teasing her about them), is kind, generous and does a great "Nurse Nancy" when need be. I'd say they are equal players in a very complicated, multi-dimensional game - but it seems to work for them.
If my mother ruled the world, people would learn, retain and utilize their manners under ALL circumstances, not just when it's convenient or when you want something. The ability to interact as an interesting and engaging conversationalist, and do so tactfully and appropriately in different social situations would be embedded in children's upbringing, allowing them to transcend social class and other less graceful categorizations with aplomb. As an aside, I was allowed "out" with the grownups as long as I behaved and played by the rules. I probably learned more about people and appropriate behaviors between ages 1-7 by keeping my hands behind my back and my mouth shut than I've learned since thanks to the privilege of being present.
If my mother ruled the world, people would behave much more philanthropically. Not one to just talk about what she believes in, my mother sets an excellent example of how to support that which is important, both with her time and with her pocketbook. Causes are rarely successful at the conceptual level - they need operational clout. And that, for her, is where the rubber hits the proverbial road.
If my mother ruled the world, people would feel appreciated. Common courtesies would be employed, like "please", "thank-you" and "excuse me." People would take the time to write thank-you notes for meals and other acts of kindness. People would more frequently do what was right for others, even if it took time, took you out of your way or blew your personal agenda. Acts of kindness carry no price tag, but if my mother ruled the world, acts of appreciation would come first and foremost. I believe that if a sense of appreciation were more forthcoming, additional kindnesses would most surely follow.
If my mother ruled the world, everyone would exercise their ability to "see with the artists eye" - to understand at a fundamental level color, form, material and composition and to appreciate the incredible artistry present in the most mundane of objects, experiences and events. As a spinner and weaver, my mother crafts from scratch beautiful, useful objects. As a knitter and sewer, she understands the relationship between material and needle, stitch, shape and pattern. These fundamental building blocks allow her to see the world in its most primitive elements and reconstruct them using her own artistic skills. These are skills I learned at her knee and use today in all that I create, from business plans to cabin curtains. Here we sit this Mother's Day, enjoying our threads. I think we could all do with a stronger sense of the aesthetic.
If my mother ruled the world, there would be a lot less blame and a lot more personal responsibility. My mother exercises a greater degree of self-discipline than anyone else I know. This is true with regard to her physical health, maintaining her interests and intellectual health, keeping house and home organized and in great condition, and even in terms of her end of the marriage bargain she made with my father over 50 years ago. If my mother ruled the world, there would be less divorce, fewer lawsuits and a wealth of healthy, interesting people with whom to interact.
If my mother ruled the world, I probably wouldn't have gotten the excellent care and feeding, encouragement, support and the shared wealth of her personal expertise, because she would have been just too busy to pay attention to the likes of me. Fortunately, my mother does NOT rule the world, but she certainly rules hers. Creating balance between self and relationship, being supportive but not a slave, and being the best parent she could were, and still are, all part of the picture for me. It isn't until one gets a little older that one can appreciate the incredible skills and capabilities that allow ordinary humans to be extraordinary people.
Mom, if you ruled the world we'd all be a lot better off, but I am thankful that even within the much smaller microcosm that is our world, it is I that am a better person because of you. If you ruled the world, you'd kick proverbial b*tt - as you kick mine when I need it. Keep the light of leadership burning bright, Mom. You're doing great.
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