Recognizing those "Mom Moments"

There are moments in our life that we tend remember more than others. Weddings, funerals, big achievements, and major setbacks are a few such moments. Some of those memories are made with friends, some with family, and some when we are by ourselves. For many people, myself included, a lot of memorable moments are made with our mothers. We’ll call those memories,  “Mom Moments.”

Much research has been undertaken to study the influence that parents have on their children.  One study, for instance, found that  “children with mothers who report higher levels of authoritarian and permissive parenting practices have lower cognitive ability scores.” It goes without saying: mothers have an important job to do, and sometimes that job is downright difficult.

My two sisters and I grew up in a single parent household. Mom worked hard to “put the meal on the table.” At one point, she worked the night shift at a factory and would often get home just in time to feed us breakfast and get us off to school. Later in the day she would attend our school sports events before heading back to work. For me, that’s a “mom moment,” and observing her work ethic, determination, and ability to juggle multiple priorities has certainly influenced my worldview. How she managed to keep up with it all still amazes me.

Joanna Fuchs’ poem, Everything Mom, sums things up nicely:

Everything Mom
How did you find the energy, Mom
To do all the things you did,
To be teacher, nurse and counselor
To me, when I was a kid.
How did you do it all, Mom,
Be a chauffeur, cook and friend,
Yet find time to be a playmate,
I just can’t comprehend.
I see now it was love, Mom
That made you come whenever I’d call,
Your inexhaustible love, Mom
And I thank you for it all.

The Challenge

This past Sunday was Mother’s Day, that one special day out of the year when mom gets to be center of attention. All across the nation moms received beautiful arrangements of their most favorite flowers, heart melting greeting cards, and long distance “I love you’s” from their children.

But even though the necklaces, candies, and flowers put a smile on mom’s face, does she really know the impression that she has left behind? Do you? For many mothers knowing the answer to that question can be one of the best gifts ever.

This week the challenge is to create a “mom moments” top ten list. The aim is to identify ten of the most memorable occasions that you’ve shared with your mom and reflect on how those moments have shaped your worldview. For extra credit, send your list to your mom.

The Reflection

What has been the greatest lesson that your mother has taught you which influences your approach towards work?

You can share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge™, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

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Published bimonthly, collector mentor is a quick-read publication dedicated entirely to delivering articles and practical advice that teaches credit and collection professionals how to increase collection results, enhance productivity, improve teamwork, and become better stewards of the industry.