First happy Mother’s Day to our women readers. I have never written anything about my Mom…thought it was time and would be nice.
My Mother Jean passed away six years ago at 91. Nice Italian lady. The life lessons she taught me were priceless. From dusting the furniture, love family first, belief in God, integrity, kindness to others and she did everything to benefit my brother and I. She was darn tough mentally and physcically, because she had me to deal with and a few things physically wrong with her, I think she held out as long as she did to see her great grandson born. I know she hated being the last to leave this earth because she came from a big family and missed everyone and especially my Dad.
We did not go to dinner too much and when we did they were special occassions. The Pie Pan was cool. She would also take it personal, she wanted to cook. Sunday’s were huge meals with a variety of entrees that make a brunch look bad. We did not go to alot of events but we had fun at the movies, visiting relatives and White Sox games. We did not do the summer vacation scene too often because we could not afford it, spring vacations were not in Cacun and on MTV…they were “clean up week” in Chicago. Boy she loved that, cleaning out closets, the blinds and windows…we did not know any better and sure never cared…rather hang out with my friends at Farnsworth School playing ball all day.
Many of her theories on life were divuluged to my brother and I when we watched televison together everyday on our small black and white TV in our small 5 room town house. From the Ed Sullivan Show, Ozzie and Harriet, Beaver to the Vietnam War, Kennedy’s and landing on the Moon.
She was active in scouts, PTA and of course helped us with school work or any project and expected us to go to college. Here is the cool part, she stayed home and was my Dad’s secretary and logistics manager as she coordinated shipments of stoves he sold. She was tough there too…and I’m pretty sure she scared a few truckers based on the phone calls I overheard.
Mom could be opinionated about life, and of course my friends, too much softball and the Cubs (what was wrong with me), how I handled my family and career …I now must admit she was right on many occasions when I debated them.
She had a sharp tongue (I know where I got mine) and used a wooden spoon on us if deserved…a theory lost with parents today. This fast action staighten us out quickly versus counting to three (I mean 4-8 or time outs) and all the baloney parents do today trying to control their children. When she came back from PTA meetings she had the dirt on me and she was like Judge Judy…swift action with commentary. FYI, Mom hated all the fuss about sports etc with parents today…hell she sent us out of the house early and said good luck and take a bus if need be, come back for dinner. Thank God we did not have the internet…life lessons/street smarts would have never been gained.
She talked about rich people and how they lived and handled themselves. She was proud of the fact my life was so good due to Molex and Avnet due to the experienced great leaders like the Krehbiel’s and Vallee who handled success with class. She was always concerned about a person’s image (maybe that is why I’m a PR guy) and the way they were perceived and really handled themselves with the janitor as well as the Vp’s. A key lesson I always took to heart.
There are days, I dont believe she had a great life because she did not travel all over or have a lot of expenisve things…but I would be wrong, that is what she taught me…material things are not important…caring and nourishing two sons (jury is still out on me) but brother was an Eagle scout and is man you want you want on your team, so have to say she did a very good job. She knew and passed away happy.
I think of her daily, wish I could tell her what I’m doing.
So Mom’s, I have no idea how you ladies can juggle the toddler, children, teenage daily issues and dramas from school to illnesses and give 100% 8-5 everday for Avnet.
Unlessyou folks just want to get away from them, as Rodney Dangerfield quipped, “now I know why tigers eat their young”. All I know is I’m not sure where we would be without you. If we are “an admired company” alot of it is due to the Mom’s, their talent, passion and mentoring they do.
Thank you.
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