Mother knows Best

| 28 Sep 2011 | 02:48

    We've heard it said over and over again … Mind your manners; Don't judge a book by its cover; First impressions are the lasting ones; Money is the root of all evil; Never go to bed angry; Be careful what you wish for, it may come true. Some motherly advice conjures up heartfelt memories while others still get a chuckle years later. Less conventional, yet still often heard is the advice: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer; When poverty knocks at the door, love flies out the window; I hope God gives you a child just like yourself! And, Don't gossip, it only comes back to bite you in the … well, you know. More surprising than the fact that one person can chronically repeat the same advice for years, is the shock of grown children, hearing themselves echoing those same words that once warranted no more than an eye roll response, now being bellowed at their own offspring. Here is a list we compiled of the best advice your mother ever gave you, from people in the community — pictured when they should have been listening to it. "She told me to try to better myself so that no one could ever take advantage of me. I've always followed that advice." Maria Cytowicz Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 114 "My mother told me ‘Whatever you do, don't become a police officer.'" James Dykstra Chief of Police, West Milford Township Note: Chief Dykstra will complete his 41st year as a policeman at the end of June "The best advice my mother ever gave me was ‘Save your money.'" Joe Elcavage West Milford Councilman "The best advise my mother ever gave me was ‘The best gift you can give your child is your time.'" Liz Frey Supervising Circulation Assistant West Milford Township Library "Do what's right before God, no matter what it costs you." Suzanne Haller Owner, The Fish Bowl "My mother always told me that I could achieve anything in life and could anybody I wanted to be if I worked hard. She also always taught me that when you do good deeds, good comes back to you; if you do bad things, bad comes back to you." Glenn Kamp Superintendent West Milford Township Schools "The best advise from my Mom was drink your Chamomile Tea, it cures everything!!" Eric Kerssen Cubmaster, Pack 159 "I was the teenager that most Mother's would say ‘I'm glad she's not my daughter.' But Mom was there, ALWAYS THERE! She was brave enough to ride out, strong enough to catch me when I fell, and the wisdom to guide me through the rough times." Alison Mersincavage Owner, Curves "She told me to always dress for the occasion." Mary Ryan-Zanotti President, West Milford Education Association "She said, ‘Once you get married, it's for life — and it's a 50/50 proposition. He gives 50 percent, you give 50 percent.' She also told me we should never go to bed angry. And I'll tell you, it worked. My husband and I are going to celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary in June." Midge Touw President, West Milford Board of Education "My mother's best advice to me was "never judge a book by its cover ..... and an individual's real wealth should be calculated through love, not money. Mom is always right! Happy Mothers Day!" James Warden West Milford Town Council