Today I thought I would share some things that my Momma taught me along the way.  Call it, Momma’s laundry list: Do’s and Don’ts to Grow On and Never Forget.  First off, it’s okay to celebrate Mom, even on Father’s Day weekend, because in some households, Mom is it!  Mom and Dad, too.  (You know what I mean, not biologically speaking, but you know   Always wash your hands.  That’s important for kids and grown-ups too.  It cuts down on illnesses like swine flu.  Did you know Mom’s are also doctors?  Get enough rest. It keeps you from getting sick, getting angry and getting in accidents.  (Remembering that one could have cut down on a lot of trips to therapy, right?)  Read.  Don’t depend on the internet for all your reading material.  The sources are not always reliable, i.e. Wikipedia.  Read a book.  Write.  Keeping a journal is therapeutic, especially if it’s a thank-you-journal.  It’s hard to complain and be thankful at the same time.  That brings me to the next one—don’t forget to say, “Thank you”.  Goes a long ways.  And use the word, “Please”, too.  Remember when it worked when you were three?  It works on grown-ups of any age, honest.  Keep important things first and know the difference.  (You have to narrow this one down for yourself.) My Mom reminded me to pray every day.  And last but not least: Don’t forget this list.  Twelve step meetings often end with take what you need and leave the rest.  I advise you to do the same with this list.   I will never forget my Mother as I pray for her especially right now and thank her for giving me life, and this list, to share with each of you.