Know Your Place

As a little girl, I used to hear my mother, the late Rosa Lee Nelson, say, "Know your place". My mom was a graceful lady, who was quiet. She taught me what manners were. She also showed me how to be a lady. Yes, etiquette was a way of life for her. My mom's voice was soft, but she spoke clearly and you always heard what she had to say. My mom told you to do something once and you did it.

Looking back, I am thankful to my mother for developing a great child rearing strategy. I often think of those words, "Know your place." Her message was about knowing when to speak versus when not to speak. One of her goals was to help me to develop excellent listening skills. Her words have taught me how to:

• Be patient
• Be observant
• Share
• Be respectful
• Be confident

Today this message has become more meaningful to me as a professional. Knowing your place also means that our lives are divided by seasons. When I think of seasons, I think of the planting process of fruits and vegetables. There is a time to plant and there is a time for the harvest. I remember being a college student. There were days that I longed to be a graduate. I didn't think that graduation would ever come.  Now, after a lot of reading, listening to instructors, studying for tests, failing courses, retaking courses, going to tutoring, taking summer classes, and becoming a graduate student twice, I can say that I have been living my mother's words.

I love my life, because I have been able to embrace my failures. I am no longer afraid to fail, because I am no longer afraid to breathe out of my own lungs. I can forgive myself and keep moving. I do not live off of the opinions of others. I stand on the shoulders of determined individuals, who taught me not to waver. My mother wanted me to stay strong. She also wanted me to live a happy and productive life.       

Mommy, I know my place. I have learned to appreciate each season of my life. You embraced me as I was and you planted some wonderful seeds. I am discovering more about myself everyday. I know that no one will take what is mine if I remain focused. Thanks mommy. I will love you forever.