Sunday, August 26, 2007

Tips From My Mom #3

Thankfully I have made it safely back home from my visit to Florida without having to pull a Karen Black and take over control of the plane. The night before I left for Florida I watched both Airport '75 and Airport '77. Somehow, it was oddly comforting. As though if something did go wrong I would be that much more prepared. "It's okay" I'll say "I know how to gauge air speed against altitude so the plane won't stall." This is how my mind works.

But the flight went off without a hitch and I was greeted at the gate by both of my smiling, enthusiastic parents. I last saw them in May and every time I see them I think I love them a bit more, if that is possible.

While I was there my mom was voted Employee of the Month at the hospital where she works. This is quite a recognition because there are over 1,000 employees with everyone up for consideration; doctors, nurses, administration, housekeeping, clerks, etc. My mom works in the housekeeping department. Everyone on staff is able to submit someone each month and then the names are brought to a committee who make the final decision. Once chosen they give the nomination ballots to the 'winner' so they can read all of the positive statements.

Mom brought these home on Thursday night and it seems as though many of the comments remarked on her ready smile, positive, optimistic attitude, boundless energy and friendly personality. They wrote how she is willing to take on any task, big or small, at a moment's notice without complaint. And that she is a hard worker. My reply is "No kidding". This is a 67 year old woman hauling around a cart full of cleaning supplies and mopping floors.

The Employee of the Month heading off to work.

The honor comes with several perks; a choice parking spot for a month, dinner with the CEO of the hospital (dad can come), a small monetary allotment, her picture in the newsletter and on the wall of the hospital and acknowledgement of her efforts.

This brings me to Tip #3.

No matter what you do, do it to the best of your ability.

I am so proud of my mom. She puts her all into the tasks set before her with unending energy. I know that she is very proud of me too because of what I do and because of who I am. But, I also know that she would be proud of me no matter what I did if I committed fully to it. Who I am and my outlook on life and work is directly related to not only her words but her example. I remember once she told me never to think less of a person just because they clean toilets if they do it well. I am paraphrasing but the sentiment is clear.

As I was thinking on this I was reminded of a book I read in High School by Richard Bach titled Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah

During that time I was struck by a quote that has stayed with me always.

Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world - even if what is published is not true.

So, congratulations Ma! You deserve it.

16 comments:

Florecita said...

Yes, your mom deserves it!!!!!!!
How wonderful are mommies!!!!!!!

Love to them!!!!!!

Joy Keaton said...

You didn't tell me this! How cool! It's so good that she's been recognized that way. Go Bev!!! :)

LadrĂ³n de Basura (a.k.a. Junk Thief) said...

What is up with the Aiport movies? Every friend of mine has recently been rewatching them. Self torture for summer flying, I guess or comic relief.

I like tip #3 and it's much better than what came from my family: "Whatever you do, be perfect. Doing your best just does not cut it." My family was actually supportive, but the perfection thing was a bit too heavy at times.

Glad you had a nice trip.

Gary said...

Florecita - Thanks, I will pass it on.

Joy - I know, I can talk with you for hours and will alwasy forget something. OY!

Gregg - Between this 'perfect' thing and the aunt with the jacket I think you and Joy must be related somehow. Oh, and I blame all of this Airport mania on Mark. :)

Dumdad said...

Good advice for life.

la bellina mammina said...

Congrats to your mom! She truly deserves the recognition!

Reya Mellicker said...

How great! Being recognized, even if it means you have to have dinner with the CEO (sounds incredibly uncomfortable to me) is EXCELLENT. I know she has to be great, because she's YOUR mother.

when does school start for you?

mouse (aka kimy) said...

wonderful, wonderful post. congratulations to your mother! she sounds like an amazing human being and someone I would love to meet and see if some of her spirit could rub off on me! methinks she's rubbed off on you a lot gary from what I've read on 'the bliss' .....

yikes watching scary airplane movies before a flight...glad to find they are empowering for you! I think they might have the opposite effect on me!

great quote & advice!

WAT said...

My mutha does a similar type o'job that yer mom does too! HOW COOL IS THAT?!

That Karen Black woman loox frightening! Just saying.

lettuce said...

agreeing with junk thief, perfectionism can be quite debilitating. But the do your best motto - thats part of my family ethic too, not such a bad thing.

and how great for your lovely mum to get public recognition and praise and appreciation.

Anonymous said...

Gary,
No wonder you got your mother's traits, I dont know if you
realize that I have been following your bliss since you sent me an email the day after school was out. I have enjoyed reading all of them. You are such a great GUY! Bless you! Whether you like it or not, you will be seeing me on Thursday!

Cindy G.

Gary said...

Cindy - Wow, I did not know that you have been 'following the bliss' all summer. How sweet are you. I am well rested and quite prepared to get back into the thick of it again and look very much forward to seeing you on Thursday. (For those of you who do not know, Cindy is an amazing teacher who has come to my aid more than once.)

Lettuce - Although I was not pressured to achieve perfection I still strive for it. Go figure! But at least I am satisfied with doing my best. Your daughter is lucky that you share the sentiments of Tip #3 - Tell her I said so. :)

Wat - You should catch Ms. Black in Trilogy of Terror is you really want to see frightening. My best to your mom too. See, another thing we have in common.

Kimy - Thanks. Methinks you are probably a pretty special person too.

Reya - Yes, I think they would prefer a night out alone, just mom and dad. The CEO thing seems too staged and awkward.

I start back on Thursday the 31st and the kids are back on the 4th.

La Bellina - Sweet. She is sure to read this post and all of your comments, which are the icing on the cake.

Dumdad - It seems as though the simpliest advice is always the best. It seems to work on so many levels.

justawriter said...

Congratulations to your mom!That is wonderful!!!She sounds like a remarkable lady!
I am very happy that you had such a great time with your parents.
About the quote from the book :
'Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world - even if what is published is not true.'
This is so true...I love this one. Thanks for sharing it.
Tina

Mona said...

Wow! another Mom post! I love them & yes! congratulation to Gary-mom ! :)

Steve Reed said...

Congrats to your mom!

I can't believe you watched both of those awful Airport movies (they got progressively worse with each sequel) just before getting on a PLANE. Too funny. At least you knew not to be obnoxious like Lee Grant, thus earning a death by drowning.

Robert said...

Awh, congrats to your mum!! I bet she's happy about that! And 2 lovely photos to boot!! Very nice! :-)

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