We asked local residents to share the values they’ve carried into adulthood, thanks to their moms. The lessons we learn at home have the power to shape our lives forever.
Of all the personal, practical, and professional lessons my mom has taught me, the one that stands out the most is this: be your own best friend. Its meaning has evolved as I've grown, and as an adult, I carry it with me when I advocate for myself, trust my intuition, and stay true to my values. It's a lesson I hope to pass on as I raise my own daughter.
Lauren Monacelli, Gates. Mom Ann Stoutenburg
My Mother always wanted me to keep family traditions going, keep my head down, be hardworking, respectful and kind. And to have a loving family of my own like the one I grew up in.
Rob O'Leary, Irondequoit. Mom Teresa O’Leary
What sticks with me most is when my Mother says she is proud of me. She said it for deeds big and small, and for no reason I could see. She said it when I was proud of myself, but, especially, when I was not. When I was low, grief-stricken, or felt small in this world, those words lifted me. I work to deserve it. I am proud to be her son.
Phillip Stever, Webster. Mom Mary Frances Stever
My Mom was a stickler for family dinner. You didn’t leave the table while others were still eating and you had to ask to be excused. She was tough on table manners. She would say, ’You don’t believe me now, but there will come a time when you will appreciate good table manners.’ She was right. In college I had lovely friends who I did not want to sit across from at any meal.
Gay Card, Pittsford. Mom Shirley Dutton
I was raised by my grandmothers, so I always said that I had three moms. My grandmothers were very hard workers, and I saw what it meant to get up and go to work each day while also managing a household. They made sure that in addition to appreciating the value of work outside my home, I learned how to do the things inside my home, like cooking and cleaning, that I would need in life to be self-sufficient. Both my grandmothers are retired and living in Florida now. I owe so much to my Golden Girls.
David Olivera, Rochester
My mom always said that nothing is ever as bad as it seems on the next day. This has helped me to reframe the issues or problems that I faced; giving me time to process and accept what is happening with the knowledge that the world will still be spinning tomorrow.
Patrick Phillips, Rochester. Mom Caroline Phillips
Before the notion of going green was even a ‘thing’ my mom taught me and my two sisters the 3 Rs; reduce, reuse, recycle. To this day we recognize the importance of not wasting.
She also taught us that you could use a very small wine glass and have many!
Martha Hyland, Rochester. Mom Ellen Hyland
"Of all the personal, practical, and professional lessons my mom has taught me, the one that stands out the most is this: be your own best friend."
--Lauren Monacelli