The best life lesson I learned from my mom is that the answer is always NO if you don't ask. This can be applied to a lot of situations. Job applications, a better view at a hotel, a good table at a restaurant, etc. Funy story: we were at Busch Gardens one day and about to ride a new roller coaster. We chose to wait for the front seat and new that a rain storm was headed in our direction. We got all the way to the front ready for the next coaster car and instead of boarding us, the boarded a VIP group. Normally not a big deal but due to weather, the ride closed after the VIP group. What does my mom do? Goes to ticket office and asks for another chance to ride. And ..... She gets 9 day passes to come back.

I am teaching my kids to be kind, respectful and positive. Which sounds obvious but can be challenging with our kids of today. With social media, learning how to socially conduct yourself is sometimes lost. Making eye contact with others, saying Hi, please and thank you. Don't gossip. Get to know someone before you form an opinion of them.

Another lesson I am installing is that girls can do anything and more than boys can do. There are no limits. I hate the saying "like a girl". I teach them to be strong, do your best. You may not always get the trophy, medal, or ribbon and that's ok. I think they are learning, but I reinforce it daily. They are great kids and I am proud of them.

I am lucky to still have my mom and live close to her. My kids see her almost daily and that's rare for today's kids. They have a very special relationship with her and I am proud of that