Mothers have way of popping into our lives

Mothers have a way of popping up in our daily lives, no matter how old we may be or how long they may be gone.
“A gentleman stands when a lady first enters a room.”
I hear her admonition every time it happens, but would like to tell her that many didn’t get the same message.
“Every woman is not necessarily a lady.”
Mom, you were right about that one.
“Be nice to your sisters.”
But they’re so, you know, sisterly.
“They are still and will always be your sisters.”
“Your father will take care of that when he gets home.”
And he did.
“I’m not your maid, pick up after yourself.”
Bonnie must have read the same operator’s manual.
“Don’t bite your fingernails, they’ll get stuck in your appendix.”
Still have no nails, but nails-stuffed appendix apparently fine.
“Be quiet, shut your mouth and eat.”
Never have figured out how I could do the one and still do the other.
“Whatever you do, do it well.”
I’ve tried, but admit to failing to reach that objective on many occasions.
“Anyone can sing (hymns), just open your mouth and start.”
She never said anything about how well one might sing, which sort of conflicts with above.
“When you’re my age, you’ll understand.”
Closing in on it, but still many questions.
“Eat your broccoli.”
Sorry, Mom, that one didn’t stick.
Happy Mother’s Day.

Editor Jim Butler can be reached at jim.butler@eunicetoday.com.