Hey, Have You Met My Amazing Mummy?

February 17th is my Mum's birthday.  I wanted to celebrate her here, but in anunusual way.  What I decided is that thethings I value most from her is her wisdom and life experience.  I have shared on this blog the piece of advicefrom her I have almost made my mantra, to "Do the Next Thing on the List."  But she has given me so much guidance anddirection in my life, it seems almost unfair not to share it with you.
So, the following words of wisdom, in no particularorder, are from the indomitable Paulina Gilbert, my Mum.
1.   Kill them with kindness; if they're snarky andyou respond with sweetness, they'll l hear themselves and be ashamed2.    Always apply moisturizer rubbing in toward thenose, never out toward the ears.  You'llavoid wrinkles longer3.     Fabric softener in with towels takes away theirabsorbency4.      There is nothing permanent in this world;everything is temporary and can be changed5.      Doctors don't know everything; they're human tooand medicine is most days a guessing game 6.      People will judge you by your appearance, fairor not.  Always dress appropriately forthe occasion7.      The state of your shoes will say more about youthan you ever will8.      You don't have to dress in brand new things, youonly have to look clean and bright9.      If you haven't worn it in a year, give it away.  Someone else will love it too.10.  There is nothing wrong with changing your mind.11.  Brush your teeth every morning.  It make a nice start to the day12.  Personal-health sick days" are not only okay,they are necessary sometimes.13.  Actions speak louder than words; don't tellthem, show them.  They'll remember itforever14.  Follow your dreams; how do you know that's notwhat you were put here to do?15.  Serving fast food does not make you a bad mother16.  Nothing will ever take the place of ahandwritten thank you note
My whole life, my Mum has been my biggest fan.  She has championed my causes, celebrated mysuccesses, and been there when I needed a friend.  She has been through all my highs and lowsand without doubt, she is the most constant thing in my life.  Because of the example she gave me, I am agood wife, a better mother, and a kind, decent, caring person.  All because of my Mum.  For my brother and I, she has always been oursun and our moon, our ying and our yang, the missing piece to any puzzle we have.  So today, my dearest Mummy, I want to tellyou how thankful I am for our relationship and how much I love you.  Jason and I want you to have the happiestbirthday ever!
Thanks for letting me share a little of my Mum withyou.  Now (spoken in thick Bronx accent),"cahll ya mutha" and tell her how much you love her too!