A History Lesson
Swen Nater

My eleventh-grade American History class was about to begin. It was the first class of the day. The teacher, a handsome man, well-dressed, fitly-slim, and impeccably groomed, approached his podium and all of the rustling of paper, shuffling of feet, and casual conversation quickly came to a halt. It was quiet enough for a drum solo. What he said that day had nothing to do with the history of life in the United States. Yet the teacher was about to give us a history lesson we would not forget—the type of lesson where we learn from the past. What he said was something along these lines. When he started, tears welled up in his eyes.

Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today as an embarrassed and depressed adult. My mother died yesterday. I’m not depressed merely because she died; I’m depressed because I didn’t treat my mother very well the last twenty years. You see, we had a falling out about something and we just didn’t talk for all these years. Oh, how I wish to God I could turn the clock back but I can’t. Now that she’s gone, I see how trivial my stubbornness was and how important being good to my mother was. But it’s too late. Forever, I must live with what I’ve done.

I tell you this because I hope to convince you that there is no excuse in the world that warrants not treating your mother with the highest regard. Don’t do as I have done. Be good to your mother.

My mother died this last Tuesday, July 19th at 5:44 pm PST. She was an amazing woman who taught me to work hard, love what you do, share what you know with others, and that life is an exciting journey if you build friendships.

Nora Hall was considered the best female woodcarver in the world www.norahall.com. Whatever artistic talent I have, I received from her, genetically and by example. For hours, I used to watch her carve some of the most amazing things. You’ll see when you visit her site.

I will miss her greatly but I have no remorse about how I treated her. You see, I listened to what my history teacher said that day. It was a history lesson that helped me not repeat the past.