Lessons in Love: Timeless Stories of a Mother’s Wisdom and Kindness That Will Stay With You

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Two Simple Words

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On the first day of first grade, I stood by the front door with butterflies in my stomach. I voiced my biggest concern to my mother: “How will I make friends?” Crouching in front of me, she handed me advice I carry with me to this day: “Be Switzerland.” Be friends with everyone. Treat everyone equally and fairly. For all of my 20 years, I have lived by these words. Soon I will graduate and become a part of the real world. And on that first day, nervously facing new responsibilities, I know I will whisper two words to myself: “Be Switzerland.”

— Abigail, New Jersey

Open House

We lived in the Bronx, all seven of us kids and my single mom. It was mid-January, and a huge snowstorm hit. The snow was so thick, the highways came to a complete stop. We lived a half of a block from the highway. The darkness of night was approaching. There were several cars stuck with people and their families and/or pets inside.

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Mom stood up and said to my brother, “I will open my house to the stranded people on the highway.” She said, “Please go and invite them to our house.” We had 13 families come. Our living room was covered in sleeping bags, blankets and pillows. In the morning, we had three pots of coffee, one huge pot of hot chocolate, bacon, eggs and warm French bread. Everyone showed such gratitude. Mom’s act of kindness and humanity was so profound to me. She showed us all the selflessness of helping others.

— Diana, California

Adapted from: Readers Digest, "20 Stories About Moms That’ll Make You Want to Call Yours"