Wear sunscreen. Save money. Cover up in the cold.

Help others. Don’t date that boy. Pray.

For this Mother’s Day, we asked readers to share with us what their mothers were right about. After reading the dozens of entries — more than 60 — it seems mothers are right about almost everything. Of course.

We couldn’t print all the letters in the newspaper, but here they are in their entirety.

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

— Kathy Lu, features editor

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Dear Mom,
There are so many things that you have said and taught your 4 children, Mama. I just want to thank you. You were always right when…
You said, “Prepare as if.” There were some things in life that I just wish that I should have prepared more for. When you “Prepare as if” you are less embarrassed.
You said, “Take your opportunities when they come.” Take risks! You only live once. And you won’t kick yourself later … most of the time.
You said, “You marry who you date.” Your children remembered this. We were very picky when we chose our spouses. Because we listened to your advice, we chose incredibly sweet people that take good care of us. You taught us that so many times, you can see patterns during courtship.
You said, “Don’t borrow trouble.” There are things you can control and there are things that you cannot. You can’t worry about the things you can’t control. Worry about things when they happen. Not before. Then, when bad things do happen — start calling family!
You said “Be your own best friend.” If you want to go to a movie or something, but your friends don’t want to, do it anyway. Don’t deny yourself opportunities for a great time just because you would rather have another body there.
You’re the best Mama in the world!! You are brilliant. I am amazed with your intellect, your advice and even your scripture knowledge. Thank you for teaching me these things that I have used throughout my life. I was listening even at times when you think I wasn’t.
I love you, Mama!
Robyn Shorter Wells
Roanoke

Dear Mom, you were right when you said:
We were all your favorite
Always keep booties on a baby
Vitamins don’t work if you feed them to the dog
Things will look better in the morning
Enjoy people young and old
Laughter is the best medicine
We have to know the bad to know the good
Never say never
Nothing would be the same when I had children — I would forever carry my heart on the outside
Enjoy today — time passes quickly
God is in charge
Someday I would become my mother
You were right when you said you wanted to be a friend but chose to be a mother — you became both and I love, respect and thank you for everything.
Sandi Roop
For her mom, Kathy Griffin


Dear Mom,
You were right when you made me go to school and get an education. I am a nurse but I have never ever written a letter to you because you are illiterate. You never went to school, you can’t read and write, but you are a good mother. You always used your own words to teach all of your seven children. You have more personal knowledge than anyone else that I know.
You worked as a farmer since you married my father. You had to take care of all of the family as well. Even though you never went to school, you knew how to support your children’s education. You didn’t want them to work as farmers, too.
When you worked as a farmer, you never had a day off … no holiday, no vacation. You used your own hands with an axe, or drove the ox to plant sugar cane, corn, and fruit.
At sunrise you started to work, went home at sunset, and then you still had to take care of the family. You never complained. You said everyone needs to do their job in life.
After I immigrated to the United States I could not be close to you, but I missed you very much. I have not seen you since 1994, and it especially makes me sad because you and father both are not too well at this time.
But my dear mom, I have good news for you. Your grandson Jerry and I are coming home to Taiwan to visit you in June and July!
Annie Lin
Salem

Dear Mom,
You always said consider your brothers and we tried.
You said we would have trouble with our back if we didn’t quit moving heavy furniture and now we have a bad back.
You said treat other people like you want to be treated and that was good advice.
You said life goes on and regardless of the circumstances and it has.
You said honor your father and mother and we tried.
You said the most important thing is family and that is so true.
You said in order to have friends you must be friendly and how true.
You said the sun does not shine on one person all the time.
You said don’t highlight your hair that mother nature will take care of it and it is.
You said time goes faster when you get older and man, are you right.
You said blessed are the peacemakers.
You said hard work never hurt anyone and surely it has not.
You said God is in control and he certainly is.
You said always tell the truth and you won’t have to remember what you said.
You said Pewter and now we say Pewter.
We can honestly say everything you advised us about has come to pass.
Lena and Pat


Dear Mom,
You were right when you said one day I would have kids that would be just like me.
You were right when you said one day it would not be about me.
You were also right when you said one day you will understand.
You were right when you told me to gardening is good for your soul.
And most importantly, you were right when you said someday you’ll say I was right.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Seleana

Dear Mom,
You were right when you told me that nothing good happened after my curfew.
You were right when you told me to go to college before getting married and moving out on my own.
You were right when you said when I got married that I would want a guy like my first boyfriend who I thought was boring.
You were right when you told me that I would understand why you were so hard on me growing up when I had a child of my own.
You were right when you told me that you go without to make sure your child has what they need.
I love you mom. Happy Mother’s Day!
Nicole Scott
Roanoke

Dear Son,
When you were a small boy and getting ready for bed, I combined a bedtime story with what you could expect in life.
I told you that you would go to school, learn to drive a car, work at a job, meet a girl, get married, move away, live in your own house and mow your own yard. At this point I realized that you were getting very upset. I asked you what was wrong. Thinking that you had to accomplish all of this at once, you asked so sincerely “Can I at least stay till morning?”
Well son, you are no longer a little boy, but a young man who has accomplished most of the things I told you about that night. You’ve graduated college, drive to work, have fallen in love and will get married in a few short weeks. I want you to know that I am proud of you and that I love you.
And it is ... finally morning.
P.S. Enjoy and cherish the happy times and endure with hope the bad times. Marriage doesn’t solve problems, but comes with its own set. On your wedding day your grandparents will also celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary. So with determination and patience bedtime stories can come true and you can live happily ever after.
Because Mothers are always right.
Peggy Furrow
Bent Mountain

Wow, hind sight is indeed perfect. I would have been able to see then what I know now if I had eaten those carrots after all. And by the way Mom, you were right when you:
Sent me out for fresh air every day, no matter what the weather.
Fed me veggies, and more veggies, and more.....
Showed me that being a parent is the best, but hardest job in the world.
Taught me that hard work is it’s own reward.
Read me the Bible to light my way.
Said a woman should be able to work as hard as a man; and still be a lady.
Grew our own garden because “it was worth it.”
Stated that “Ugly is as ugly does.”
Quoted Grandma’s advice.
Stood back enough to let me trip, but close enough to catch me before I hit the ground.
Told me that God would send me the man I was meant to marry.
Gave me enough love to pass on to others.
And Mom, you were also right when you thought I could do better.
Regina Wallace
Riner

Dear Mom,
You were right when you sacrificed yourself for your family at all times without thought for yourself,
You decided to stay home and raise us 5 kids instead of working and sending us to a sitter,
You raised us in a loving Christian home and always put Jesus first in our lives,
You said real families always stick together,
You let dinner be late to stay and play outside with us a little bit longer,
You became our Mother.
But this time I am right when.......
I SAY YOU ARE THE BEST MOM IN THE WORLD AND I THANK GOD FOR YOU DAILY!!
Happy Mothers Day Mom to THE Best Mother Anywhere!!!
All my love, your daughter and best friend,
Melessa “Missy” Robinson
Roanoke

Dear Mom, you were right when you said…
Make God the priority.
Rear your children with high morals and expectations.
Get a good education. No one can take that away from you.
Save for a rainy day! Learn to “Stretch that Dollar.”
Take pleasure in growing beautiful flowers, sweet smelling shrubs, and stately trees.
Presentation of the food is a very important aspect when serving a meal.
Travel while you can … there will come a time when the spirit is willing but the body says no.
Be optimistic and hopeful in all situation: “He that is without hope is most miserable.”
Betty Whisman

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said that “what goes around comes around.” (I’ve often experienced kindnesses many times returned.)
You were right when you said that moms have E.S.P. feelings about their children’s actions. (How many times you’ve known what happened in my life before I even told you!)
You were right when you said taste and cook! (You’re one of the best cooks around).
You were right to tell us that God knows best and not to question Him (even in the midst of deaths of loved ones). You were right when you said that things WILL be fine! (Look at our family!)
Most importantly, you were right when you said (with your actions instead of words) to find things to laugh about and to look on the bright side instead of the dark side of life, even in “these” times! How grateful I am for your words and for you!
Love,
Kate Campbell
Roanoke

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said all a poor person has is his name, so protect your reputation.
You said there will always be a way to accomplish what I need to do.
You said everything will work out in the end.
You said do what’s right and God will take care of the rest.
You said I can’t do wrong and get by, it will catch up with me.
You said when I think negatively, I am already defeated.
You said if I trust God and have faith, wonderful things will happen.
You said I can’t outgive God.
Love,
Kitty Woiblett
Martinsville

Dear Mom,
You were right when you taught me what’s on the inside is more important than what’s on the outside.
You were right when you told me that “grape juice is a stainer!”
You were right when you didn’t move to Beaufort, S.C. for that teaching job.
You were right when you said “yes” when dad asked you to marry him.
You were right when you said the most precious thing on Earth is a child’s face.
You were right when you told me a gentleman opens the car door for you.
You were right when you decided to stay at home and raise your kids. I can’t tell you how many fond memories I have of coming home from school and you being there.
You were right about washing the stains out of clothes before washing them!
Kelly Myers

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said ... back in the seventies, if I didn’t wear a bra, they’d be down to my belly button!!!
Shae Marlin

Dear Mom,
You were right when you told me to “Always watch out for the other driver. You know what you are going to do but you don’t know what he/she is thinking about doing!”
Peggy Johnson

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said…
I am your mother, I would not tell you to do something that would hurt you.
Live at home for free and go to school.
Go to school and get your degree before you get married and have kids, it will be much harder afterwards.
Don’t marry him.
“Things” won’t make you happy.”
You need to go to church.
Go see people before they die.
Trust me … I know what is best for you.
Cherish the time you have with your children when they are little because they will be grown before you know it.
Don’t take life too seriously.
Love,
Amy Foutz

I remember one thing that made a lasting impression. Grandma was living with us. One day one of my aunts talked smart (unkind) to her. Mom didn’t say anything then but she commented later, “I’ll never have something like that on my conscience after Mama’s gone.” So, folks, look ahead. You know if you bury tires, they will eventually surface. So don’t bury any “tires” in your life.
Joyce Hodges
Salem

Dear Mama,
You were right when.....
You told me that tanned fat 'looks better’ than white fat! (...BUT, DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!)
You showed me you would always be my friend but that first, you were my mother.
You guided me to the Lord and taught me to pray.
You told me that if I ever got into trouble at school for misbehaving, I would be in twice as much trouble when I got home!
You raised me to believe that “pretty is as pretty does.”
You showed me that children and puppy dogs are for loving and spoiling!
You told me, “You better be back in this house by midnight, and I’m not kidding, Teri.” (You really weren’t kidding!)
You taught me to be thankful for what I do have, not focus on what I don’t have, and to get down on my knees and thank God for my many blessings.
You showed me that LIVING means GIVING.
You taught me that laughter really is the best medicine at any age.
You told me that “babies are made when a man and a woman love each other very much and hold each other very close!!!”
You told me to do as you said and NOT as you did ... and if I ever repeated that word again, I was going to be blowing Ivory Soap bubbles for a week!
You taught me I could say anything I felt; so long as I said it with respect.
You showed me you believed in me and I could do anything with God’s help.
You told me that if I didn’t stop rolling my eyes at you, they were going to get stuck in the back of my head (OR you were going to knock me into the middle of next week)!
You told me to suck in my gut and sit up straight.
You strengthened me by giving me a soft place to fall, a hug to heal my hurts, and a kick in the pants when I needed it.
You said I was your MOST favorite child!!!!! (I think that’s what you told me — anyway, that’s the way I remember it.)
For all the ways you’ve loved, disciplined, and made me better, Mama, thanks, and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Teresa Nelson

Dear Mom,
It took me a few years to realize you knew what you were talking about. It didn’t happen when I was five and you told me not to eat the tomatoes in the garden — she had put some powder on to kill bugs — because it was poison. I ate a tomato and didn’t die. I don’t think I questioned your veracity as much as I just didn’t think you knew what you were talking about.
Then there was the time you told me not to put my finger inside a light socket when I was wet, it could kill me. After a bath I came out wet, climbed up on a chair and stuck my finger in a lamp socket. Wrong again, I didn’t die, but then the lamp wasn’t plugged in.
When I was eight I was watching the steam come out of the big spout on the tea kettle and ask you what steam smelled like, you said it didn’t smell like anything. Well, I knew everything had to smell like something, so I stuck my nose right near the spout and took a big whiff. Mom, you were right!! It didn’t smell like anything but my burned nose hurt for days. Sixty years later I can remember that painful lesson like it was yesterday.
Mom, I guess we were lucky I learned at an early age that you did know what you were talking about. I don’t remember questioning you much as I grew older, although, my memory may be a little fuzzy about my teen years.
Thanks for being my wise and wonderful Mother, wish you were still here to share memories.
Your loving daughter,
Rosalie A. Witbeck

Dear Mom, you were right when:
You said to always remember that every person you meet may be in near of a hug or a cheery hello!
You said to always help those in need — food, clothing, place to hang your hat!
You said to always be extra careful when I am in the car watch out for the other driver.
You said to always love my brother (John Earl Lee) and my sister (Judy Henderson) no matter how cranky they get.
You said to always remember I love you dearly.
Sally Barnett
Christiansburg

Dear Mom, you were right when....
You said to me when I was young, keep your head to toes warm in the winter or when it’s windy so I wouldn’t feel all that cold or get a running nose. I tried to listen even at times it might have been hard.
You were right when you said to me when I was young to wear my sunscreen in the heat of the sun, so when I’m a lil’ older my skin won’t look and feel like leather. I tried to listen.
You were right when you said to me when I grew a lil’ older and made my first cake. You told me don’t skimp on the best ingredients to make that special holiday cake.
You were right when you said there is nothing as special as a mothers’ love.
I accept each word of wisdom with gratitude now that I am a lil’ older and a lil’ wiser all because of you.
More than words can express.
Or feelings deep, the heart can share.
To remember all the fine things that you’ve done.
Hearing the soothing sound of your voice.
Every frown and hurt, you turn to a smile and gladness.
Remembering you makes my heart feel warmer.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Debbie Lynn
Penhook

Dear Mom, you were right when:
You said that chocolate does not constitute a meal.
You said I would need my jacket. It gets cold out.
You said I ought to chew with my mouth closed.
You said I should shut the windows and stop letting all the heat out.
You said I should never date a boy based on looks alone.
You said tank tops are not appropriate at church.
You said a good breakfast makes for a good day.
You said being early makes a good impression.
You said work first, play later.
You said I should try my best in everything I do, and always strive to greater heights.
Love,
Jordan Gulli

Dear Mom (Barbara) and God-Mother (Sena),
You were right when you said I would grow up to have kids who would give me as much heartache as I’d given you.
You were right to make me shut the door the right way, after I had slammed it for the umpteenth time.
You were right when you said I shouldn’t want to grow up so fast.
You were right when you said raising kids would be one of be hardest things to do.
You were right when you said that life isn’t easy.
You were right when you said that blood is and always will be thicker than water.
You were right when you said that your family will always be there when you need a soft place to fall.
You were right when you said Maurice is a good man.
You were right when you said that Gomma wouldn’t want us to be sorrowful all the time and you were right when you said that sometimes it would be hard not be.
You were right when you said that everything would be alright.
You were right about everything!
I love you, both! I just hope you know how much.
All my love,
Your Bunny Rabbit,
Latrika Lipscomb

Dear Mom, you were right when…
You told me never to take what people say too seriously. I’m only sixteen years old and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. But from that, learning the hard way, I’ve learned something much greater. I’ve learned that no matter what, my parents are always going to be there for me.
Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that not everybody in this world is going to be as good to you as your parents. However, my mom, she’s been with me through everything. She was there when I cut my knee pretty badly, held my hand through all those horrid doctor shots, and was even there when I came home crying over something mean a fellow student had said to me — granted most of the times I remember, were the times I had somehow gotten myself hurt and she had been worrying sick, just like any mother would do.
I think that this was one of the most important things my mother has taught me because it taught me to be the strong, caring, compassionate, independent teenager I am today, and for that, I am not only thankful for the lesson I was taught, but I am thankful that I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a wonderful family who loves me.
Tiffany Eng
Roanoke

Mother you were right when you said:  
Don’t talk bad about anyone; you never know what they have been through. (You were so right, Mom, and I remember it every day. I have met dozens of people who remember you with love and always mention how you never had a bad word to say about anyone).
Maybe you all will remember the little things I can do for you since I can’t do big things. (You were so right; I remember all the skirts, pants you hemmed, and I deeply wish you were here to just sit and talk. You would never hem another skirt.)
Maybe we all can plan to just eat a nice meal at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or Birthdays ... we don’t need fancy gifts. (Oh, how right you were! I would never think about another gift if you could just be here with us now, and join in eating and laughing as we always did through the years)
Let’s just go and look around the stores; we don’t need to buy anything, just look. (Oh my! If ever you were right, that is so true today. If I could I would take you to the mall every day, and let you look until closing, if you were just here with us.)
I’ll just leave some things in the house for you all to divide however you want to, when I am gone. (Yes, you did, and if we ever can get the courage, we will do so, but I so deeply wish you were here to hand them to the person you wish to have the trinkets.)
I really enjoy visits from all of you, come more often. (If we could, we would visit every day, if you were just here with us )
A word to the reader, please do not let this be your message on another Mother’s Day. Love and cherish your Mom this day and all days in the future while she is here with you.
Teresa Biggs
Spencer, for her mother Lorene Cunningham Bishop

Dear Mom,
You were right when you told me, “No one ever said life was fair.”
As a teenager that was usually the answer I received when I complained about not being able to go somewhere or do something. Curfew could not be broken and I could not ride to or from school with friends. Jeans were too tight, schoolwork must be done before the TV was supposed to be watched, it was unacceptable to call a boy and my music was way too loud. None of these things made sense to a teenager.
As I got older, I realized you were trying to teach me discipline, self-worth and of course keeping my hearing past the age of 30. You tried to teach me lessons through your life experiences, but I always thought you were just being “difficult.”
I understand now that you learned your lessons the hard way and you were trying to spare me that experience. I am blessed that my son will learn from you and I hope I will be able to make him understand the importance of these lessons. However, I am sure he will think I’m just being “difficult.”
Jenny Petty
For her mother, Peggy Meador

You were right when ...
you told me to practice piano;
you taught me to cook and sew;
you made me go to business school because high school just wasn’t enough;
you said I should pay you room and board, so I moved out and found out for myself how much it costs;
you told me I was too young to get married;
you told me not to use credit and I didn’t listen;
you said I’d miss you when you were gone, and I do, I REALLY, REALLY do...
Susan Selvage

My mom always told me that when you marry, you also marry the family.
I married a man with 8 siblings, and I agree. I had met all of the family before marriage and fell in love with all of them. He lost his dad right before we became officially engaged, so I shared in that grief also.
It is a fact, and I will always remember those wise words.
Carolyn M. Stone
Rocky Mount for her mother, Rachel Matthews Mattox

Mom, this will make the 43rd year without you.
In our younger days at the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home, our House parent done her best to look after us the best she could but she never could outdo you.
Then there was your Mom and she loves us all the best that she knew how and your sister helped, too. I miss you Mom more then you will every know.
I wish at times you could’ve seen our children and our grandchildren. To meet our husbands and wives. We are all still together loving each other and looking out for each other as well.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Debbie Bass
Salem

Dear Mom,
You were right when you looked at me 19 years ago and said, “Those are just a few of the millions of tears you will cry for your child.”
Alex was only 2 years old and I had selfishly decided I needed to go back to work and join the “adult world again.” Work was not a necessity, I just needed a break.
When I picked him up from daycare (where I was also working) he looked so tiny, frightened and lost. I cried all the way to your house and the guilt I felt was overwhelming. Turns out you knew exactly what you were talking about, (and I was not far from the “mom knows best” thing either.)
Alex needed the socialization and I would need a break on numerous occasions. Alex’s behavior was challenging and a mystery to us all. I cried many nights, alone, asking “why?” He was evaluated by professionals twice before he started kindergarten and they had no answers. I cried from the frustration of not being able to help my son. Elementary school was difficult for him because he did not “fit in” and had no friends to invite him to parties or call him on the phone. I cried because I thought he was lonely.
At the age of 10 we found out he had Asperger’s Syndrome and we both cried because now we had an answer to “why” and could begin the journey to helping Alex succeed.
I cried when the bullies in middle school made his life miserable and cried when his teachers said he was the best, the brightest, the funniest, and I cried when he persevered. I cried when he walked across the stage and graduated with honors and I cried when he got in a car and drove down the street.
He is 21 years old now and tells me “I want to do it myself Mom” and I cry because I know he will be able to do what ever he sets his mind to. I hope to cry at his wedding and cry when I see my first grandchild. And I will certainly cry with joy when he looks at me and says, ”Mom, you were right.”
Karen St. Clair
Hardy

Dear Mom,
You were right when you told me to sit up straight and smile when I was in the show ring.
You were right when you told me to get Calvin saddled up and get in the championship class at the Roanoke show in ’77; I got reserve champion that year.
You were right when you said my horse and dog and other animals always came first, ’cause they depended on me to give them food and water and love.
You were right to give me my love of nature, the birds, the trees, frogs, skunks, and rocks.
You were right to show me that every sunset and sunrise is always different.
You were right to give me my love of all art.
You were right when you said I would never know how much you loved me until I had my own child.
Even though you have been gone for 10 years now I still miss you and think about you everyday. I wish you were here to see how your grandson has become a great, creative kid. I know you would be so proud of him
I wish I could go back and make sure you knew I loved you.
Kelley Weiler

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said that cooking meals and cleaning house for our family of 8 while you worked 2 jobs would be good for me and make me a better person, as I now have my own cleaning and catering business.
You were right when you said I shouldn’t have children too young, because now, at 42, I appreciate and enjoy having a 6-year-old more than I ever would have when I was young ... she is my joy.
You were right when you said, “One day, I would understand and appreciate how hard you were on my when I was growing up”.... and I do, I really really do.
I Love You!!!
Michelle Shepherd
Roanoke for her mom, Brenda Robson

Dear Mom,
You were right when ... silly me! I would be hard pressed to find anything that you were not right about.
In all these 50-plus years of my life I think back on all the bits of advice, snippets of information, gifts of guidance and assorted other words of wisdom that you lovingly and patiently attempted to impart upon me.
Your meaning and intent was always with my best interests at heart — yet, being your baby, your sometimes difficult child, I took it upon myself to forge my own path. I now look back and realize the mistakes I made in not listening more closely, not acting accordingly and following more diligently all aspects of the path you cleared for me.
The image of the “Momma Bear” comes to mind when I think of you and how you cared for me, taught me, loved me and stood by my side through every day of my life, the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly! What a very lucky “Cub” I was ... for I know that I had the best “Momma Bear” ever, and I thank you with every ounce of my being for always being there for me and with me.
Love always,
your #1 (and only) Son,
Mitch Brumfield
Troutville

My dear Mommy,
For all the times I said you didn’t understand, and all the times I messed up, you were the only one who really understood .
I am 50 now and you are still my Mommy. Thank you for never giving up, without you I could have not made it this long, I think the most important thing I can remember is that you have always been there, and for that I thank God for letting you stay here to help me.
Happy Mothers Day.
With all my love,
Sissy

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said that I would never “get it” until the day I, too, became a parent.  
You convinced me that you had a built-in radar system; how else could you possibly know what I was going to do even before I did it?
Why did you cry when you were happy and smile (through tight lips) when sad?
You preached thrift, yet I would see you give away your last dime when someone needed it. You advocated material things in degrees — those necessary versus those of no consequence, and you taught me to recognize the difference. You were a teacher, preacher, doctor, nurse, psychologist, pediatrician, housemaid, mechanic, electrician, hostess, and friend.
You had the softness of a pussy cat, the ferociousness of a lioness, the whimsy of a comic, the seriousness of a nun, the frailty of a Dresden doll, but the strength of a giant.
God was your guiding light and you believed that He gave you two arms for special reasons: one to hug with and the other to guide as I learned right from wrong.
You definitely taught me the security and safeness of proper discipline.
Most of all, Mom, you taught me that love was your special gift to my brothers and me, but in order for us to keep it, we had to give it away — to our children, in order that they would have it to give to their children, who will have it.
Betty Price
Roanoke

Dear Mom, you were right when ...
You said that I would pay for my raising.
You said if I pulled out one gray hair, two would take its place.
You said do the crime, you’ll pay the time.
You said, respect your elders.
You said, there are more fish in the sea.
You said, I would be better off by myself.
You said, don’t give up on what I really want in life.
You said, you learn from your mistakes.
You said if no one else loves you that your kids always will.
You said, do what my heart feels.
You said, you only have one mom and you best thank god for her.
Love,
Kathy

You were right when you said we would have to grow up without you, my younger sisters and I.
They were too young to remember you, but I was five and a half. I remember. You were only 35, never to grow old as I have. One of us is with you now, but the “baby” and I dare each other to go first and leave the other alone.
I have many “snapshots” of you in my memory, and I have felt you with me many times. Your picture is in my living room beside that of Daddy. My children say I look like you. I love you, Mother, and I will see you again.
Sissy
Vinton

Dear Mom, you were right when you said....
I don’t care if all of the other kids are going;
always wear good underwear;
why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free;
if you can’t afford it you probably don’t need it anyway;
when you get your own house you can do what you want;
treat others as you want to be treated;
the grass always looks greener on the other side;
put a little something away for a rainy day;
it’s none of my business, but if it was my kid ...;
what would you do without me to bail you out;
one day you’ll thank me.
Cynthia Gaines

Dear Mom, I wanted you to know that you were RIGHT ( a shock I know) when you said...
I would have a kid with the same attitude as me.
That life was not easy!
Being a mom is harder than it looks!
I always have to learn the hard way!
You would make the BEST NANNY in the WORLD!
That you would ALWAYS be here for me no matter what!
Thank you Mom for all these years of you being right!
I wouldn’t be the woman/mom that I am today without you!
I LOVE YOU!!!
P.S. You were right about you being right! Ha, ha!
Your oldest & best daughter
Samantha McCall
Vinton

You were right when...
You told me to never “get above your raisin’.”
You said that pretty is as pretty does.
You told me to just not start smoking and drinking — it is easier to start than stop.
And most important, you told me to always “do as you would like to be done by.”
I am a child of the ’40s and ’50s and you have been gone 25 years, but I still remember these things.
Odetta Bond Terry
Meadows of Dan

Dear Mom, You were right about EVERYTHING!!
Love,
Vicki Keyser

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said that “This too shall pass.” No matter what the problem, it all passes eventually.
You were right when you said that “it is as broad as it is long.” I never knew what that meant until I became a mother. It is an awesome alternative to “because I said so” and will leave them to bewildered to argue.
You were right when you said that I should give that first credit card to you to hold on to in case of emergency. Plastic is not my friend.
You were right when you said that someday I would have a kid that was twice as mean as me. Ha ha, but guess what, I had two twice as mean as me and they are staying with you this summer!
Love you always!
Becky Evans
Botetourt County

Dear Mom, you were right when you said....
There is no limit to how much good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.
Patricia Eby

Dear Mom,
You were right when...
You warned me I’d regret getting that tattoo at age 18.
You told me I couldn’t afford a private college and forced me to apply to Radford instead.
You encouraged me to take the lesser-paying teaching job.
You thought I should trade-in my hybrid car for a more-practical-but-less-exciting Ford.
You said frozen vegetable lasagna is just as good.
You knew my heart would heal, one day.
Thank you for being a mom I can trust to be right, even when I don’t always want to listen.
Love,
Kristina Karnes

Dear Mom, you were right when ...
You said stay in church, have faith, and continue to pray!
You said tell the truth always, maintain integrity and people will believe and trust in you!
You said family is the most important thing we have on this Earth!
You said save money, always watch out for yourself financially!
You said keep your eye on the prize!
You said love others and be kind to all people!
I love you Mom,
Sharon Gentry
Roanoke

Dear Mom, you were right when ...
You told me to always keep beans and potatoes so I would never go hungry.
I came to you every time I got my heart broken and you just listened and held me, but never judged my decisions to go on with my life.
You divorced my dad after 33 years of marriage and found a man who treated you as you were supposed to be treated.
You were there for your children from my dad as he lay dying, you whispered to him, “Thank you for my 5 wonderful children and all the good times we had together. We will forget about the bad, I forgive you for them.”
You helped your children when he died on March 25, 2009, and we didn’t have enough money to put a suit on him to bury him. You bought the suit as soon as I called you.
You said I will always have a best friend and I do, Mom, it is you.
With all my love,
Debra Marlene Custer
Blacksburg

Dear Mom (Carol Kelley)
You were right when you said “You won’t understand how much I love you, until you have kids of your own.
Love,
Brad (Brad Eppard)

Dear Mother,
My mom is the best mom in the world. Any time you need her for anything she is always there for me. When she found out that I was having a kid at young age, she backed me 100 percent and told me it’d be OK and I’d be a great father. Even though I could never be as good of a parent as she was to my sister and I.
My mom would always make sacrifices to give my younger sister and I the best life possible. Whenever we wanted something she would do her best to give it to us. She the strongest woman I know. Even through her battles through her sickness, she was there for me and took care of me and is also the BEST grandmother ever!
Thank you Kellie Chambers, the best woman in the world.


Dear Mom,
When I was little, you always told me that you and I would always be best friends. I didn’t know how right you were. There were the young years that you were my only playdate and I didn’t want to leave your side. Then were the teen years when I really didn’t want you by my side! Then came adulthood and there you were... right by my side again.
You were right......
Thank you for being my best friend! Happy Mother’s Day!
Love you,
Melody Holthouser

Dear Mom,
Words can’t really express how very much I love you. You are the finest example of Christian living and God blessed me greatly with you as a Mom. I love calling you and talking to you on the phone. I don’t live close enough to see you every day, but you are always in my heart and thoughts. I think I’d better send you some more fudge!!!
Love,
Linda Erskine

Dear Mom:
(You would be disappointed to know that I waited until the last day to complete this as you always taught us not to wait until the last moment to do something — we needed to plan ahead — but I’m not going to tell you I submitted this on the last day possible.)
Mother you were right in so many ways growing up and the example of the type of person we needed to be you demonstrated by your ways and deeds daily.
One of the most important life lessons learned was that family comes first after God. When your mother, Granny, became ill, our small but adequate house turned into a long-term care facility. Mother you were her caregiver even with four children and working at the hospital full-time and I never heard you say that it was too much. When another family needed a place to stay, the house was opened again for a lengthy stay. There was no discussion, the decision was made, family first.
To emphasize that family was first, you were fortunate to be able to quit work to care for your four children until the youngest was in fifth grade and you returned to work at the hospital. During the time when we were a one income household and money was tight, Mother, you were right, when you allowed me to purchase books from the Scholastic Book Company several times during the school year.
Living in the country, library visits were far between, but to be able to hold and own a book — was a pure delight each and every time. You always found money for me to order books, which I read and re-read. You understood the importance of reading and the places that reading could take a young child. Even though you hated to read as much as I loved to read, you would always find ways for me to have books to read. I still am rarely without something to read even today because you allowed and encouraged my reading.
One of the final ways that you were right was when you always decorated the house for every occasion. Now that I have my own house, you come and decorate my house for every occasion: bunnies for Easter, scarecrows for Halloween, turkeys for Thanksgiving, and etc. Life is short, celebrate each occasion and holiday with flare. Life can be fun — enjoy it you would say.  
Thanks for being the type of Mother I wish all children could have.
Love,
Pam Woody
(Your favorite — but don’t tell Linda and Sally)

Dear Mom, you were right when…
You said to look at my spelling test.
You said not to watch too much TV.
You said not to play DS all the time.
You said to sleep at eight o’ clock.
You said to eat fruits.
You said to help in cleaning.
You said to do the laundry.
You said to read books every night.
You said to obey.
You said to ignore a bully.
You said to talk less and listen more in the class.
You said to be respectful.
You said to be nice to my friends.
You said not to do my book report on the last day.
Love,
Nalin Jha
Salem (age 7)

To my grandmother, Thelma Laughorn Beckley:
I miss you every day of my life, you were the dearest person on this Earth, no one can replace you. I look forward to seeing you in heaven.
I joined St. John’s Episcopal for you and feel so peaceful when I am there. I wish you were here to help with all the drama in the world, but I know you had your platter full during the depression. You made me what I am today, the good stuff, and I will never forget the canasta playing at the cabin, and eating Fritos. They broke the mold with you, and probably me ... you are my idol.
I will live the rest of my life thinking of you . Please keep looking after me here, and I know Jimbo is …we are made of the good stuff.
Your dear loving granddaughter
Susan Wildfong
Roanoke

Dear Mom, you were right when you said:
When walking to school, try no to walk in all the snow you see.
Wear a coat when freezing outside to avoid catching a cold.
Make sure to wash inside and behind your ears to keep potatoes from growing out of them.
Eat everything on your plate to help you grow tall and strong.
Decided for yourself what you want to be. Always be involved with different organizations to help others.
Pray each day.
But Mom! I was right when I said I love you.
Love,
W. Robert Ogden
Roanoke, For his mother, Martha Ogden

Dear Mama, you were right when you said:
To stave off a cold, wear an undershirt the first of October to the first of May.
When you start a project, make sure you get it finished.
Waste not, want not.
Always do your best.
Don’t take more food than you can eat.
If I would spend less time cutting wood with Daddy and more time in the kitchen, I could learn how to cook.
Beds were made to sleep in, not sit on.
Someday you will be a mother and then you will understand.
If you don’t listen, then you learn the hard way.
Enjoy life, don’t grow up too fast.
I love you and I knew that love would be there forever and always.
Love,
Mary Long
Salem

Dear Mom,
You were right when you said those many things that I felt did not have any value and were just annoying stuff moms felt obligated to tell us. Years later, I find myself a mom and remembering some very valuable insights that you gave, such as:
Do your work first thing in the morning; you will then have the rest of the day to play.
Wrap up in the winter or you will get cold in your bones and get arthritis.
Be kind to everyone, you never know who you may need.
Waste not, want not. You believed most things could be reused in many different ways and many times over. I remember seeing you pour a leftover glass of water on your houseplants. How great that you were green before it was chic to be green.
Always put things back where you got them, it will be easier to find it when you need it again. This is especially true now that I’m experiencing senior moments.
Brenda Fralin-Mack
Rocky Mount, for her mother, Keva Hancock-Fralin.

By your daily example of Bible readings, you taught me to seek God’s messages — the love letters of a Father of blessings. Some are written, but many surround us in the melodies of sound and sight and touch in our daily lives. If only we will open our eyes and ears and hearts to the symphonies of blessings around us, gratitude will replace fear, hope will replace despair and light will shine through our darknesses.
All my love,
Linda Nelson
Roanoke

You were right when you said:
Not to take love so serious at such a young age.
Think before you speak.
To always forgive and forget.
Always help your family members.
Not to sweat the small things.
Not to worry about what people think of you.
To reach for the stars and never give up.
To give and not to expect anything in return.
Do your best and that is all anyone could expect.
Spend your money wisely.
Most importantly, you were right when you said you would always be there for your children.
Love always,
Sarah Lynn

Dear Mom,
You are always right about our school work, you are the best mommy in the world
You are always doing everything for us.
We are happy you graduated from college as a phlebotomist, that shows you are very smart.
God bless you, we love you, you are the best.
Devin and Caitlyn Turner

I was 16 and what my daddy called a “flip tail” or a flirt in other words and I already knew everything I needed to know, or so I thought.
I was dating a nice boy who mama approved of, but I met a new boy and decided I wanted to go skating with him and his church group. Mama didn’t know this boy, so she said, “Oh no, you’re not going,” and I went into a screaming fit and stomped around and thought about taking mama on for a fight. But she showed no fear, and since I had some, I just ran my mouth. Her advice to me was, “Someday you’ll understand, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and you shut your mouth, for you will surely reap what you sow.”
Now fast forward about 20 years. Then I had a daughter 15 years old and she wore shorts — in my opinion too tight and too short — so I said, “Take those things off.” Rachel screams, “Ma, I’m a free spirit. I belong to me. I pick my own clothes.” Then I said, “not as long as you eat my food and live in my house, so watch your mouth little girl, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and you just might reap what you sow.” I turned and smacked my own mouth. I couldn’t believe I had turned into my own mother.
Now I’m a grandma and the other evening I heard Rachel discussing with her daughter Destiny just why she couldn’t spend the night with her girlfriend from school. She said, “Destiny, I know you’re 13 but I don’t know this girl or her family, and so help me, you’re not going.” Destiny began to argue and I heard with my own ears, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You shut your moth, little girl, before you have to reap what you sow.”
And I just turned and thanked God that I lived to see the day I heard my mother’s words coming out of that “free spirit’s” mouth. Life is so good!
Rebecca Bond Moore
Fries for her mother, Peggy Bond

Dearest Mother,
This letter is long overdue for you have been in your heavenly home for 15 years. I honor you on Mother’s Day and every day of each year. I thank you for your love and the values and beliefs you so lovingly conveyed. In your wisdom, you were right when you said:
Put God first in all things.
Remember who you are.
Do the best you can.
Keep a positive attitude and a song in your heart.
Never stop dreaming.
Be aware of obvious miracles.
Be patient, forgiving and have compassion.
Never give up.
Always strive to learn more.
Enjoy life — have fun — share smiles and laughter.
To make a house a home, have a faithful dog.
Remain thankful for your blessings.
Share your life, your love.
Because of you, mother, my laughter is richer, my love is deeper and my strength grows stronger. Thank you for helping me see the best in life and the best in myself. You continue to “light up my life.”
Eternal love,
Mary Katherine Griffith Hansbrough
For her mother, Lucile Griffith

What a joy it is to write this note to you in 2009 and to humbly tell you how right you were with your wise advice to me on sunbathing when I was that impetus, know-it-all teenager back in the ’40s.
Remember, Mom, you were always insisting I try your Oil of Olay skin care product? And I always had the excuse, “It is too oily.” Those hot summer days in the summer of ’42, I quietly snuck down our basement back yard. When you would discover me lying in the sun, you called and called for me to come into the house. I just pretended to be asleep. My favorite song of the ’40s era was “My Momma done told me, my Momma was right, there’s blues in the night.”
So today, I have learned that I cannot survive without those wonderful Olay products to moisturize, but the bad news is that I have scheduled surgery to have removed a basal cell skin cancer from my face.
Mom, the good news is that your beautiful great granddaughter, Laura Koss, who is now 19 and a student at UVa, has heeded your wise advice via me and she always wears big floppy hats and plenty of Oil of Olay sunblock when she ventures into the sunshine. Mom, your sage advice on sunbathing was not in vain. I teach it to everyone. I thought I had the type of skin that I could escape cancer, but the truth is no one knows for sure, so don’t take a chance.
Sincerely,
Ruby Via Harlow
Roanoke

Dear Mom, you were right when you said:
Eat all those greens, you’ll grow up to be rich and strong.
Take those school clothes off before you go outside to play.
Brush your teeth before bed.
Always say yes sir and no sir.
Respect your elders.
Love your brother and sisters no matter what.
Help somebody if you can.
Slow down, you’re going too fast, watch the road.
Money does not determine one’s wealth.
Your mother will love you always.
There will be days like today.
Thanks mom for all the beautiful memories. I love and miss you dearly.
Samuel Mason
Roanoke

Dear mom, you was a wise woman.
You can’t marry that boy, you are only 16 and still wet behind the ears.
Don’t put it off till tomorrow; get it done today.
If you drive up to see someone and that yard is nasty, the inside is worse.
Eat everything on that plate young lady, there is kids starving every day.
You was always so forgiving when us five did wrong, but when we heard you say go break me a branch off that bush, we knew what was coming.
We were raised to go sit under the shade tree on Sundays, and wait until the grown-ups ate then we was called to the table.
Your favorite saying was “well, wouldn’t that knock your hat in the creek!”
Monday was wash day.
Tuesday was iron day.
Wednesday was clean the house day.
Thursday was yard and garden day.
Friday was make-up day for what you didn’t finish.
Saturday was our favorite, we always got a Dr Pepper and mama always fixed us hamburgers and French fries. Our younger brother Roger always got one bottle of double cola; it held more drink and would last longer. He gave his life during the Vietnam War at the age of 21; it broke our precious mom’s heart.
And finally on Sunday, well we set under the shade tree waiting to be called to the table for the best fried chicken only a mama could cook.
We thank our God for the wise mama he gave us. She taught us to cook, clean, work and treat others right.
God bless all mamas,
Betty, Floyd, Pam, Delilah
For their mother, Fannie Hartman of Back Creek

Dear mom, you were right when...
You said if I don’t put on sunblock I will get burnt.
You said I should finish school because I didn’t.
You showed me how to buy things when you are on a budget.
You said buying material things is never a good way to show your love to someone.
You said watch out for guys that are out for just one thing.
You said get back on the pill or you’ll be pregnant
You said when you have your own kid it will be hard, but it’s a wonderful feeling to be a mom.
Love,
Tammy Smith
Roanoke

Dear Mom, you were right when you gave birth and life to me and my 11 siblings.
You were totally unselfish. You never admitted being tired. When the older children were young, you walked two miles to get us in church (later, my dad had a vehicle).
You taught us right from wrong and best of all, you taught us to pray!
You always welcomed us back home, even after we had moved out.
You helped neighbors, especially if they were sick. You baked homemade yeast bread, which we all enjoyed, and took some to neighbors if they were sick.
We never thought of being poor. Everything was provided, even college education.
Early in your marriage, you said sometimes beggars stopped by and you always gave them something to eat.
We had cake at all of our birthdays! You even had a business with sister Mildred Anne selling cakes.
Mom, we always enjoyed your music, your talent was enjoyed by all — piano, guitar, harmonica. We loved to hear you play “Home Sweet Home” on your harmonica.
After my father died, it was our pleasure to care for you in our homes. At your funeral, our wonderful pastor read the words to “Others” as he said this described you. I would like to share this first verse: “Lord, help me to live from day to day/In such a self forgetful way/That even when I kneel to pray/My prayer shall be for others.”
Love always, your fourth daughter
Nita Sensabaugh
Rocky Mount