one deep breath haiku: legacy

ladylike on the farm

learned at her table
to sit straight, left hand on lap
to take turns talking

to serve your guests first
to not wear out your welcome
to send thank you notes

beyond good manners
to care about others’ needs
and to just be nice


My mother's many repetitions eventually took root. Now, when she's been somewhere else for more than 25 years, her considerate (and considerable) good manners and good sense continue to add grace to the world through her five well-mannered, caring daughters.

We're grateful for her diligence and her dedication to us. These days, when the spotlight is increasingly on what tears down, her legacy is a continuing influence toward what lifts up.

Thanks, Mum.