For My Mom, On Her Birthday, August 1 — A Day to Remember You, Celebrate You, and Carry You Forward
Because legends don’t leave us. They live on — in every word, every lesson, every beat of my heart.
I’m an only child. And she was my only everything.
My mother didn’t just raise me. She raised the standard.
She raised her voice when it mattered. She raised eyebrows with her style. She raised businesses, children, communities, and one very lucky daughter.
She had more wisdom than any book, more grace than any runway, and more strength than most could ever see. But I saw it. I lived it. And now, I carry it.
So in honor of her birthday — August 1 — here are just a few of the things she said that I’ll never forget. Because they weren’t just sayings. They were her way of loving, leading, and lighting the way.
Things My Mother Always Said — And Why They Still Matter
1. “You can’t expect others to do what you do, or you’ll be living a life of constant disappointment. No one wants that.”
Hold your standards, but don’t hand out your peace. Show up fully because it’s who you are — not because you’re waiting for someone else to match it.
2. “Get the goods. You have to get the goods.”
Effort counts. Delivery counts. Don’t just talk about it — bring it.
3. “If you’re not improving the bottom line, you’re not relevant. Now, there are many ways to do it… but in most cases, it’s always about money.”
She wasn’t afraid to speak truth. In life, in work, in relationships — contribution matters. Find your way to make an impact.
4. “It isn’t what anyone else is doing. Only what you are that matters.”
Stay in your lane. Run your race. Be your own scoreboard.
5. “But are they nice?”
Her first and final filter. Kindness > everything else.
6. “Do the easy things. Be the first one in, the last one out, and find ways to contribute.”
It’s not always about being the best. It’s about being there. Being helpful. Being someone people can count on.
7. “Leave things better than how you found them.”
Whether it was a job, a kitchen, a conversation, or a person — she believed in elevating the energy. Add beauty. Add dignity. Always.
8. “A notched collar looks good on everyone — so does a little bronzer.”
Style was second nature. But it was never about vanity. It was about presence. Stand tall, glow from within, and wear the blazer.
9. “Some days, you just don’t eat.”
She didn’t flinch at the hard days. She didn’t fake the pain. She made space for truth — and somehow, made that space feel safe.
10. “Know how loved you are. Some days you might not feel it, but take a moment to really think about how great you are.”
This one lives in my bones. On the quiet days. On her birthday. On mine. On every day in between.
Mom, I miss you every day. But especially today.
You were one of one. And now it’s my job — and my joy — to make sure your light keeps shining.
Thank you for every saying. Every sacrifice. Every standard.
You were more than a mother.
You were — and always will be — my compass.
Happy Birthday, Mom.
I know you’re watching over me, Jonathan, Goldie, and Leo — and the dogs, too: Boom, Cash, Irving, and Mark. I imagine you, Nanny Jayne, Grampop, and Bill all cheering us on from the best seat in the house.
