Page 32 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2022

What My Momma Taught Me
story by Cherie Ward
Moms and grandmas teach us a lot. Always ready to give practical or ethical advice,
their wise words of empowerment provide thoughts and ideas to live by and apply daily. Their simple lessons provide confidence and become the foundation of how well you love others and see the world.
Without even realizing it, it's their voices echoing inside your head, and sometimes, in this chaotic and unpredictable world, it
ENTHUSIASM FOR BOOKS
Award-winning, four-time novelist Johnnie Bernard said her mother taught her numerous admirations for the written word. Bernard is a former English teacher and a former journalist. She is a current bestselling author with her fourth and newest book Hannah and Ariela, which just hit the bookstore shelves and the internet. Her mother was an avid reader and encouraged Bernard to explore books and their many journeys.
“I am grateful for her lessons of cooking, service, and literature along with a deep appreciation of the natural world," Bernard said.
Bernhard also learned the value of time spent between a parent and child. “My best memories of my mother were when I shared alone time with her,” said Bernhard, one of six children. “It all comes full circle with my adult children sharing that same appreciation. I am grateful she took the time to model these things to me, despite the many demands of a large family and her service to our church community.”
ENJOY LIFE
Longtime educator Jeanine Hunt said her mother taught her to live fully, whether taking a much-needed vacation or spending a little time at home with friends and family.
“It doesn’t matter what you do, just get out and do it,” Hunt said. “Mom still blows and goes to this day and always tells me she enjoys my Facebook posts because I’m always doing something with friends and she knows I’m enjoying life.”
flies out of your mouth and lands on the ears of your children and friends. Their theories and thoughts become those you share in this stress-filled age of the superwoman as you fulfill multiple roles at home, in the workplace, and even in your personal life. Whether you like or dislike the messages, they are usually correct, and here are a few of the greatest life lessons provided by South Mississippi mothers and grandmothers.
32 | September 2022
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