By Terry Carter, RTT/CHyp., Founder of World Wellness Today
A decade ago, death ended an era of loving wisdom and empathy as my mother died on June 28, 2013. June G. Carter, 79, influenced and inspired thousands of lives as a woman, spouse, mother and nurse.
Fortunately mom and I lived in the same town, so we spent her last 15 years growing the loving bond she formed with her three children years before. When the call came that her body had failed, I was at peace because we had intentionally made time for the crucial talks about love, legacy, lessons and what’s next. If you knew June, you new compassion and underlying wisdom.
She taught me to enjoy life, sports, friends, school and each day I saw the sun. She played a solid tennis game and always fooled me with her powerful backhand when played. My mom was known for reading and learning from novels, non-fiction and from many historical sources, including the Bible.
After 10 years, I can still tell you she enjoyed music by Paul McCartney regularly. But her favorite band was the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Last Train To London, her favorite contemporary song reminds me that she enjoyed travel and would have been a great friend to take to Europe or a resort island.
My parents were married for almost 60 years, and it was a conventional relationship. Yet I do recall a few times when my mom played the super hero in my life, saving me from the torment of a misguided, sixth-grade teacher. As a nurse, she also saved my brother and I from the many hazards that arrive with a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis.
All in all, she was one of many angels in my life, guiding me toward greatness, but never forcing or pushing me to make certain choices. I believe my mom freely allowed me to make my own mistakes and learn the lessons that poured out from each scene. June was 1-of-3 astounding children born during the Depression, and each of those Samuels children found a way to get a college education and then to thrive in life.
So proud to be part of that family. And soon enough, we will be visiting with the oldest of the Samuels children, who is 94 and celebrating his 70th wedding anniversary. While the other two children of Oren and Lucille Samuels have passed, my uncle JR graduated early from high school and excelled in nearly every aspect of his career and life. He’s not much for talking details, but if I ask him how he achieved so much, his answer would certainly suggest the determination of the Greatest Generation. Whatever assignment they tackled, the Greatest Generation of the World War II-era decided it must be done 100 percent. Not many believe that anymore.
I wrote this not to say I am better in any way, but to tell you that we all have valuable relatives, friends and old neighborhoods. They may not look like today’s famous stars, but the odds are they lift us up, give us hope, care for us and are grateful for you. Older generations aren’t great at saying “I love you,” however, they do. And it benefits you to make amends with any relationship you struggle with or suppress. Because in each family, parental wisdom lives within us and encourages each of us to smile, laugh and embrace life.
Make your life better with this simple advice, brought to you by World Wellness Today.
3foradime 