They say she’s always right. It turns out, she pretty much always is. For our May issue, we’ve collected the most profound, hilarious, and life-changing advice your mothers ever gave you. Accompanied by your favorite photos, these are the lessons that prove "mamma knows best" isn't just a pithy phrase—it's a legacy we get to live.
Hope
Especially since my dad died, my mom and I begin every day with a “good morning, I love you” text. No matter what else is going on, each of our days start with the reminder that we’re here for each other. —Rey
Jackie
My mom has always said, “Patience is a virtue,” and she lives this every day. She’s the kind of person who moves slowly and thoughtfully, giving everything the time it deserves. She would remind me of this constantly… when I was rushing toward the next bigger, better thing, or trying to get through something I didn’t enjoy as quickly as possible. Back then, it drove me crazy!
Now, it’s her voice I hear all the time. It reminds me to slow down, to be present, and to give even the toughest moments the grace they deserve. Over time, I’ve realized that the most meaningful parts of life aren’t meant to be rushed—they’re meant to be lived fully. —Samantha
Maureen
My mom is a proud first-generation Scotch-Irish American, one of ten siblings, and a devoted mother of five, who raised her children grounded in faith and gratitude. —Brian
*Diana
“Treat people the way you want to be treated.” My mom always reminded me to lead with kindness and compassion. That advice has shaped not only how I live my life, but how we run Fair Oaks Emergency Room. Compassion isn’t just a value for us; it’s our foundation, and we thank my mom for that. —Diana
Rebekah
My mom always says things like, "Use your frontal lobe," "Remember it’s not just about you, think of the other person," or, “The result does not matter as long as you tried your best.” —Connor
Dolores
My mother was a force. She was petite and shy and endured a lot in her fight with lupus. Back then, she would tell my sister and me that she needed to “take one day at a time.”
As a mother myself now, I recall those words when I start to get carried away with emotion, thinking about my junior in high school and his eventual leaving the nest to go away to college. Or I share them with my 13-year-old daughter when she sometimes puts herself in overdrive with her school work and activities. I use her words to be in the moment with them and remind myself that the days are long and the years are short. As she would always say, “You can only take one day at a time.” —Jennifer
Lorenza
My mom is a ferocious lover of her family, and she taught me what it truly means to advocate for the people you love. Not to simply accept information at face value, but to press in, ask questions, and seek understanding to ensure the best possible outcome.
From a young age, I watched her work—often multiple jobs—to provide for our family. Her primary role as a realtor eventually led her into appraisal work, and she brought me alongside her in that process. I was paid per report completed—on a typewriter—and through that, I learned early on that nothing is simply given. Hard work, done with excellence and intention, is what creates opportunity and returns. —Tara
Belle
I remember that when I was growing up, there was a cross-stitched sign in one of our bathrooms. The words have resonated with me time and time again. "Please be patient. God isn't finished with me yet." I am often reminded of this piece of advice when I self-reflect on my actions as a parent, a spouse, and in the workforce. It has allowed me to give myself grace when I fall short and know that I am always a work in progress. —Jamie
Julia
When I look back, what stands out most is my mom’s constant thoughtfulness and care for others. Every week, she would prepare a meal for someone in need—a new mother, an elderly couple from church, or someone who was ill. No matter the circumstance, she showed up with food and a desire to make their day a little easier. Watching her serve others so consistently shaped who I am today. As an adult, I’ve tried to carry that same spirit with me, and every time I deliver a meal to someone, I think of her and the example she set. —Kimberly
Thea
My mother said I had great legs, and I could be anything I wanted to be in life. It made me feel limitless. She passed away when I was 14, so I really worked to make her proud. —Elizabeth
Pam
Every time I left the house, my mom said, "Make wise choices and be a good representative of our family!" Every time she left the house, my mom said, "Keep the laundry going!" —Taryn
Susan G.
In the art appreciation class my mom taught, she once said, “Anything beautiful in the world is the work of God.” That message broadened my perspective to see that beauty and the divine can be seen everywhere—landscapes I’m seeing for the first time, music from another culture, flowers growing in faraway places, food I haven’t tried yet… It’s all beautiful and made to bring us joy and inspiration! —Daniel
Sherry
My mom encouraged me to get a college degree and a career so I could be proud of my accomplishments and always support myself. I was the first and only person in my family to finish a Master's degree. I don’t know if I would have achieved that without her gentle push. She always believed in me! —Nicole
Lorraine
My mom’s words mean so much, but the one thing that stands out to me and makes the greatest impression is seeing them in action. I walked into my parents' bedroom one day and saw her Bible open, with my brother's and my names throughout the pages. Her heart and the time she took to pray for us said more to me than any words spoken. —Kim
Nancy
“Donut holes don’t have calories.” This is my favorite mom-ism from the one who can find joy in just about anything! —Caroline
Terry
My mom loves people. She'll talk to any stranger, and, now, so do I. Something I used to make fun of her for, my sister and I both do now. I love it because we make friends everywhere. Now my kids give me the hardest time about it! —Jessi
Susan V.
My mother passed away 10 years ago, but I have a card where she said, “I love you infinity. Sometimes life can seem like a heavy burden, and it is difficult to even get out of bed in the mornings. No fancy occasion, no special day, but reach out to those who matter the most.”
My advice to my kids today is this: “Happiness is not the goal. It’s loving yourself, so that when you aren’t happy, you’re still going to be okay.” —Suzanne
Brenda
My mom was married for 41 years, until my dad passed away in 2011. Her relationship advice is, “Value your intuition about your feelings for a person. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. And don’t excuse it away. You deserve far better than how you feel about yourself.” —Tanesha
D’Ann
My mom taught me how to survive and how to persevere. She taught me to work with purpose and keep showing up even while carrying heavy things. To use whatever I have to bless others along the way. —Aubrey
June
I lost my mom to dementia one year ago. She was my biggest inspiration and the absolute strongest woman I’ve ever known. She always told me, “Always look forward, never look backwards, and leave the past in the past.” —D’Ann