“These are the good old days,” my husband used to tell our two boys. They’d roll their eyes. Parents can be so lame.
The years have passed and our sons moved out, leaving my husband and me eating our meals together. We’re happy and our house is peaceful, but we miss our sons and their friends.
A few months ago, my mother-in-law told my husband and me we were still young compared to her. Her energy and activities are greatly diminished; someday we’ll be her age so we should enjoy every moment of our comparative youth.
Over supper that night, I thought of the oldies hit sung by Carly Simon, and said to my husband, “These are the good old days.” And he nodded.
Did your parents ever pass on words of wisdom that seemed like nonsense at the time? Did your parents seem to grow wiser as you aged, as mine did? Or sometimes I found that what they’d taught me as a child was incorrect, and I needed to regroup and rethink.
What are your thoughts? Leave a short comment and enter to win a copy of either Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! THREE winners will get to choose which one novel they prefer! USA & Canada. Winners have one week to respond.
Congratulations to last week’s three winners: Tracy V., Jan V., and Lynne W.! Each chose a copy of Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! I’ll email you soon to get your addresses! Thank you very much everyone who entered the giveaway. I wanted you all to win!
PS: The books are sitting atop one of my darling aunt’s quilts. The picture album belongs to a dear friend. The second photo is of me and my fabulous mother-in-law.
Yes i agree you should enjoy this stage of your life. Do things together you might not have done with kids. Take walks, hold hands, have candle light dinners. Thanks for the chance to win again. God bless. Lisa
God bless you, Lisa, for your encouraging words and ideas to enjoy ourselves w/o kids at home. Several friends have none or never married and are very happy. Proving once again, we can’t expect others to fulfill our lives. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
My mom’s most used quote ” It is what it is.” The last time I heard her use it was one week before she went home to heaven. She was diagnosed with cancer. We were told she had months and were devastated. She responded with “it is what it is.” Those months they told us she had, turned into 7 days. It is coming up on 3 years since she passed and I now find myself using her favorite saying 😉
I love reading your novels Kate!!! I so look forward to reading Forever Amish!! The quilts in your pic are beautiful. Thank you and God Bless
I’ve used that saying, myself, and heard it, but never from a woman diagnosed with cancer, Jody. She sounds very brave. I’m sorry to hear you lost her in such a very short time. I can imagine you were heartbroken. Thank you for your kind words about my novels! I look forward to your reading Forever Amish too! Good luck in the giveaway!
My mom had an expression that she used for anyone, usually a woman, who seemed to feel she was better-prettier-smarter than others, and I’ve used it ever since. She would nudge me with her elbow, then say quietly “she thinks she’s nice”. It said a lot in just 4 words…
I might quote your mom one of these days, Karen. She was telling you that you were just as pretty and smart, in a humorous fashion. I like it. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Was always told to enjoy each and everyday to its fullest! We don’t know what our tomorrow will always be.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
That is such great advice, Diana, as we never know what’s lurking around the bend! I hope you enjoy your day to the fullest; I’m going to make the greatest effort to do the same. Good luck in the book giveaway!
Enjoy life……..love your kids no matter what…..gotta do what you gotta do……I really enjoy your books….thanks for writing these awesome ones
Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway, Thea! I’m delighted you enjoy my books. Perhaps you’ll win another one. Good luck!
Kate, my mom always said to me when I was upset, tomorrow this won’t seem as bad as it does right now. She was right, except for the sting of her death, eight years later it hurts just as bad as it did that night.
Sparkle, it sounds as if you miss your mother as much as I miss mine. I have photos of her all over the house, and many of her statues (she was a sculptress) and other mementos. In fact, there is a photo right at my desk. I was so blessed and it sounds like you were too. I did notice, after my mother’s death, glimpses of joy returned, which is what she would want for me. I pray that the sting of your wise mom’s death recedes.
I recall my mom telling me that I wouldn’t always want what I wanted THEN. Of course, I knew she was wrong…….But, of course, she was right.
Your mother was a wise woman, Loretta! Dying your hair as a fashion statement is an easy fix. But a tattoo Is not simple to remove once a person has outgrown it. No doubt, you and I could think of 100 other examples. Thanks for writing and entering the contest!
I love reading what you write. It speaks to us on a personal level. It definitely causes me to reminisce! Another saying is winning is not everything! But hey it sure feels great when you do! 😉
Right you are, Marlene! Winning is not everything but it sure feels good when you do. I’m wishing you extra good luck in this giveaway! Thank you for your kind comment about my writing; it touched my heart.
I’m forever telling young parents to enjoy every minute, even those that seem tiring and frustrating now. They are too soon gone! Seems like such a short time ago my girls were little and now they are all in their 50’s. Even my grands are all over 18! Soon, great-grands! Looking forward to it! Love all the comments before mine… Loving life as it is now!
Yes, indeed, Martha! I tell new parents the same thing. It seems in a blink of an eye that our children grow into young adults. Congratulations on your future great-grandkids! How wonderful. Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Good old days, when the children were around and Elvis was King! So glad I still have my best friend (Hubby) to share the each new day. Still making memories 🙂 Thanks for a chance to win a good book!
Way to go, Deanna! Continue to make those memories. I’m glad you have your best friend with you to share each day, an incredible blessing. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I remember my parents telling me not to be in a hurry to grow up. I wish that I had listened but at the time, it seemed like nonsense because adults got to do everything and be independent. Now, I wish sometimes that I could go back to being a carefree teenager who only had to worry about summer books to read and going to the beach. Nowadays, my worries consist of taking care of my husband and kids, bills, my job and getting through this last pregnancy. Thanks for the giveaway!
When you’re young it does seem that adults get to do whatever they want, Lisa. I’ve only known one kid who did not wish to hurry and grow up. It would be fun to spend a carefree summer reading and going to the beach. Good luck in the giveaway!
I remember my mother telling me to never say never because it can come back to bite you in the butt. My sister would always say when I have children I will never do that which was something that she didn’t like what my mother handled things. Sorry to say she is seeing that she is doing some of these things that she said she would never do.
May I quote your mother, Lisa? I’ve often said: Never is a long time, which I guess I made up. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
My Mom taught me the value of giving, rather than receiving. It may have been a difficult lesson to learn as a child , but as an adult I am very thankful this was instilled in me, asI I have received so many blessings from this unconditional act. I pray that I am able to instill this same value in my children.
You remind me of me, Cris-A! I truly enjoy giving more than receiving. I must have learned this from my parents, who were very generous and did not expect to be paid back for their kindness. I imagine your children will learn these values from you. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
My mother gave me the love of books ~ she passed away a month before my sixth birthday. My memories of those early stories join many years of reading! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Oh, that is so young to lose your mother, Kathleen. I know you didn’t write to receive condolences, but I am truly sorry. The love of books and reading is a wonderful legacy to pass on to you. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
My Dad taught me love. It was silent love, but it was love none-the-less. Unfortunately, though, I’ve had to regroup and rethink a lot of what I was taught as a child. Thankful, so very thankful, to have a Heavenly Father to teach me real love…for myself, and for me to give to others! I’ll be learning it all my life, though, as I mess it up each and every day!
I can relate, Kelly, as I’ve had to regroup and rethink a lot of what I was taught as a child, even from two loving and fabulous parents. I finally found real love, as only God can give us to pass on. The day I think I haven’t messed up, is a day that I have! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Hi Kate: This is Marion from Ontario, Canada. I was an only child so started reading at an early age I guess in part the fact I didn’t have brothers or sisters to play with. I was raised on a farm with wonderful parents, and an uncle who lived with us . I was very close to the three of them and still miss them very much even though they passed on some years ago. I relate very much to the old ways as I was raised on a farm, without hydro or the conveniences of that time. My husband and I had a son and daughter and they have been married for years now, but we still talk many times at family gatherings of the “good old day”. I started reading at an early age and enjoy it as much now as then. I love the Amish books, in fact other than the Bible, that is all I read. Looking forward to reading your books. Even compared to today’s world, there is nothing better than the “good old days”.
What a delightful letter you’ve written, Marion! Your childhood sounds marvelous as do your family gatherings with your son and daughter. I look forward to your reading my books too! Let me know what you think. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Hi,
some of your pictures reminds me of our family ones… when I go home to Ky for a visit we seem to always take time to go through pictures and remember “The Good ole Days”. I wonder what our kids and grands will remember -the world is a different place now.
Our sons enjoy looking through our old photo albums, as do my husband and I, Paula. But scanning photos on a computer is not the same. Yes, the world is a different place. Sigh. Good luck in the book giveaway!
My mom always said she was always right in the end, and I would always say ah mom, that’s not true…..Well in the end, she WAS right!
I’m smiling, Kathy, as I try to imagine one of my sons saying that I WAS right in the end. Stranger things have happened as you’ve proved. Good luck in the book giveaway!
Thank you for blessing someone with a book…I am so glad to have found the Woopie Pie site#
Thank you for entering the contest, Rhonda! I love the Whoopie Pie Club too. Good luck!
Love hearing and thinking about the “good old days”, nearly as much as reading about them. Don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t read! Thank you for the opportunity to win your books. God bless!
Maybe our attraction to the “good old days” is why we enjoy reading Amish fiction, Carol. I don’t know what I do if I couldn’t read either. Books on tape? The man pruning my yard last week listens to them all the time, but I’d rather have a book in hand. Thank you so much for entering the giveaway and God bless you!
I’m always telling my kids these are your good old days. Remember the fun we’ve had and the love you’ve received and someday you will look back with fond memories like I do.
What fun, Lori! You’re passing along wisdom to the next generation. I’m glad you have fond memories to recall. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I enjoy reading all of the “Amish” books, Keep up the great writing!
Thank you, Tammy, and thanks for entering the book giveaway! Good luck!
I still have mom’s black album with B & W pictures in it . I’ve scanned some of the good old days memories . Back then I didn’t know those pictures would mean so much to me & my family . Mom would say ” Make the pictures you take tell a story ” . So that’s what I try to do . That was good advice . When I look at pictures you & others take I try to see the story before I read the caption . I’m a picture person , have been since I was very young & started taking pictures with my first square Kodak Brownie camera . It didn’t have a flash or focus , I just did the best I could & surprisingly they turned out really good . I make copies of some of my pictures so I can turn the copy into B & W . I like that better then sepia .
I forgot to say I’d like your ( Forever Amish ) Book .
Thanks for a chance to win .
Mary
I enjoyed your comment very much, Mary! Your mother had great advice. I was always the photographer in our family too. It took me a long time to switch over to digital, but now I love it. And I like looking at other people’s old photos. How’s that for weird? Good luck in the giveaway!
My Gram taught me laughter….to laugh at yourself…to love life, no matter how old. One of her favorite quotes of mine was “The older the barn, the more paint it needs”…as she dolled up for Saturday night whooping it up at age 60 some
What a fabulous grandma you had, Nat! I’m smiling just thinking about her, and her quote is delightful! Thanks for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
When I was a young teenage girl, my dad started saying gto me “The best thing I can give you is nothing”. At the time I thought it kinda heartless and mean. Today at age 54 and having gone through many life changes including suicide loss, remarriage, empty nest etc…I am pretty sure I now know what he truly meant.
Those were the good ole days.
Times of learning turned into times of remembrances.
It sounds as though you had a wise father, Mary. Love and time are a greater gifts to a child than stuff, soon to be forgotten and ultimately of little value. I appreciate your sharing your story. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
My mom and dad were wonderful in that, for example, when I was in school, I was more important than my grades. They said as long as I tried my best all would be ok and it was. I wound up going to the University and graduated Magna cum Laude. Mary Lou K
flowersmarylou85@gmail.com
The older I got, the more I realized how smart my parents were. Sorry that I didn’t realize it when I was young 🙂 I remind my grandson constantly how wise I am — LOL. I would love to win one of your books, Kate. Thank you.
Although not perfect, my parents seemed to grow into near geniuses the older I became, Mary. Your grandson is lucky to have a fabulous grandma like you! Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
My mom used to always say “Stop being in such a hurry to grow up” now I understand why!
I can relate, Susan! I wish I could slow down the hands of the clock … by ten years? Good luck in the giveaway!
would love to win this
Thanks for entering, Valerie! Good luck!
I try to teach my youngest son to look and listen to his older siblings and what they have learned. It takes the pressure off of us both. Would love to win.
Interesting, Lori. I’ve heard siblings have a great influence over each other, much more than we’d think. Good luck in the giveaway!
Love, love your aunt’s quilt! I love those colors! Hoping to win a copy of your newest book. I’ve heard so many great things about it. Thanks for the chance!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Thank you for writing, Susan. I feel fortunate to have several of my aunt’s quilts. I hope you get a chance to read Forever Amish soon. Let me know what you think when you do. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I would dearly love to win any of your books !! 🙂
You’re entered in the book giveaway, Evelyn! Thanks for visiting my blog and good luck!
From my mother I learned to make sure my windows are clean and the beds made. She said with those two things done it didn’t matter how the rest of the house looked because it would always look like you were proud of yourself. I still do this but I really think she just wanted the windows done…LOL
I’ve read Pennsylvania Patchwork it was very well written.
I’m delighted you enjoyed Pennsylvania Patchwork, Christine! I’m glad your mother can’t see my windows, but I do make my bed every day. So much more pleasant to get into at night. Good luck in the giveaway!
My Mom always told me to be kind to everyone. You never know what tomorrow will bring.
Thanks for a chance to win Forever Amish
.
Wise words, Juanita. I’m always astounded when customers treat salespeople, etc, rudely. I’ve been on the other side of the counter many times … I thank our garbagemen and often chat with our mailman. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck.
Your aunt left a beautiful legacy! And your books are a wonderful legacy, as well, Kate! They are so good. To have your talent….
Thank you for your kind words, Sonja! I guess you know how to make my day! Good luck in the giveaway!
my mom taught me to be nice n respect my elders, her kindness in her heart was passed on too me. thanks n God bless
ida davis
houswife@gmail.com
First, let me say that I love your books that I have read. I own most that you have written. My parents, grandparents, plus my husband’s parents and paternal grandmother have always given me a lot of things to use from the “good ole’ days”. I love the wisdom they shared and I share it with my children whenever I can.
Thank you very much, Cynthia! I’m pleased you’ve enjoyed my books. Your family’s legacy of wisdom will bear fruit with your children, even if they act as though they weren’t listening. And they watch us, for better or worse. Good luck in the book giveaway!
I heard a lot of stories while growing up about the “good ole days”. My mom was raised on a farm with 10 siblings back in the early 1920’s. I think sometimes we would all be better off without some of the “modern” conveniences. Today everyone is in such a hurry we don’t take time to stop and visit with others and really get to know our neighbors or family members. Families don’t all gather around the dinner table and talk about their day like they used to. We always gathered together for dinner and discussed our days events. I would love to read your new series. Thanks for the chance to win one of your books!
Thanks so much for writing, Donna! Wow, what a dinner table; sounds wonderful! You are so right: with texting, cell phones, and computers (not that I don’t enjoy mine) I bet some people don’t speak face-to-face with anyone except at the grocery store, and there they dash down the aisles and rush off w/o even chatting with the checker. Thanks for entering the contest. I would love you to read one of my books!
My mother died when I was 7 years old so, unfortunately I don’t have any memories of words of wisdom from her 🙁 I love your books Kate & am thankful for this opportunity to win one!
Thanks for writing, Lorraine. So, these really are the good old days! I’m going to try to make this one of them. Good luck in the giveaway!
I was raised by my grandparents and they passed on many words of wisdom. ;-).
Probably the “cutest words of wisdom” my grandmother would say to me from as long as I can remember till I was in my 30’s (when my grandmother passed away).
Are….”Please Do Not Talk To Strangers” !!!! and this wisdom continues thru my life still at age 55 years old …..
Your grandmother sounds like a wise woman, Sandy! Since my mom was raised in NYC (not during summer), I got the same advice and it served me well. Sorry to hear you lost your grandmother. Sigh. I wish I could still have mine. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
My parents taught me to respect people & no matter how different they are from me to treat people the same. They taught me to be proud in anything I did & do my best at it. They taught me that God & family are the most important things. And that money doesn’t make a man. They were wonderful people & instilled the values that I have tried to pass onto my daughter.
Your parents sound terrific, Barb! If you pass on those values, your daughter will be as fabulous as you are. Thanks for entering the book giveaway. Good luck!
I have thought on this very subject lately as I am 50 this past May and my own parents are aging and though I wish it could go on , I know that all good things come to an end. I know that the Lord knows my days and my doings. I am going to try to make them count for him while i am here and try hard to help others as well. We are young ! Its like yesterday my mom was my age and I was but a girl ! I am still her oldest, but still her girl ! Those pictures were the good old days ! Life was full of hard work and was much more simple then.
Hugs
Linda Finn
PS: If I won I would pick Pennsylvania Patchwork ! I have Leaving Lancaster on my Kindle !
Thanks for writing, Linda! You hit the nail on the head, as they say. It seems like yesterday my parents were my age. And you’re correct about life being more simple before modern technology that young children have access to. Our lives are becoming more and more complicated, a good reason to stay focused on Him. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love your posts and pictures.I always enjoy them.We could learn so much from our elders if we would take the time and listen.My mother always done all she could to help her family in anyway she could.I guess I learn the most from all of her out pouring love.Thanks for sharing Kate!
Thanks so much, Jackie! I agree, we have much to learn from older generations. I often call my mother-in-law and ask for advice. And I have several friends who are her age who are not mother figures, but good friends. It sounds as though you had a lovely mom, such a precious gift to a girl as she grows up. Thanks for writing and entering the give away!
I would love to be able to own books 2 and 3 of this series, I love reading Amish books and christian books.
I would love you to own the whole series too, Laura! Good luck in the giveaway!
My grandchildren love to hear stories about my childhood and their grandpa’s.
They always beg for more. My father always taught me about respect, giving to others less fortunate. I remember when a young man came over and his shoes were worn out. My daddy took the shoes off his feet and said…you know I was going to throw these away and get me some new ones, I wonder if they might fit you…they still have a lot of life in them. The young man was delighted to take them. My dad wore his slippers to the store to get him a new pair the next day! Those shoes he gave to the man…..he had just purchased!!
Oh, what a sweet man your father was, Linda! I love this story. No wonder your kids enjoy listening to stories about you and their grandpas. Thanks so much for sharing that lovely scenario with me. Good luck in the giveaway!
Hello Kate. My parents taught me many things, most important was about GOD and how to be saved. That GOD was to come first in my life, then family. And to show my love and be a good example as I might be the only Bible someone might read.to not use bad words, be kind to everyone and to offer help when needed, and to always be a responsible person. They were both great examples to their 8 children. And we grew up as that kind of people. Mom taught me how to be a good wife, mother, grandmother and so much more. Daddy always taught that if something was worth doing give it my all. And, that is how he was. So, I have to tried to do that. I miss the old days of not wanting so much all the time, enjoying family time, and being a slower and simpler time. now hardly ant have family dinners and with a game, cell phone, etc in their hand. I hope I have passed these things on to my children. As they are now parents, they seem to be passing it their kids. I sure want to be your winner this time. Thanks, Maxie. > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Thanks for writing, Maxie! What great parents you had. Someone told me the other day they’d insisted everyone turn off their cell phones before sitting down at a family gathering until the meal was over. Good luck in the giveaway!
for me there has been some of both. things I was raised believing that just wasn’t true and yes, my parents seemed wiser the older I got.
Same here, Mippy. Some of what my parents taught me was not and is not true. But they did love me unconditionally and they grew wiser. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
In our house we grew up loving God and putting God first. Mom taught us to treat everyone with respect and to always do our best. In every encounter look for something good. There’s something good in every person and if we can’t readily see it, we need to help them find it and realize they are valued as a child of God and valued as a person.
It sounds as if you grew up in an ideal home, Kathy! How wonderful that you’re passing on her love of God and fellow man, our way of demonstrating God’s mercy here on earth. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
My mom always used to say (still does, actually) “you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar”. I always just rolled my eyes and gave a “whatever” under my breath. But now I find myself saying it to my own kids! We homeschool, and recently my husband asked me what my ultimate goal is for my children’s education. I said “honestly, my ultimate goal is that they grow up to be kind, loving adults who care about themselves and those around them”. He was a little taken aback, but after some more discussion, he came to understand where I was coming from. All of that because I have a kind mom 🙂
Congratulations on homeschooling your children, Kristin! If all schools had the same goals as you … Well, I’m not being fair, because some do. Yet I hear horror stories from parents about our state’s public education, including classes on sexual orientation. How wonderful that you can attribute your good teaching to your mom. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
My mom and I have had many conversations.. Just yesterday, I asked how her new hearing aids were working out. She said they are fine and that she is adjusting. I asked do you wish you had gotten them sooner… (She has needed them for over a year, she went partial deaf in one ear over night). She said maybe but “I’m stubborn and set in my ways”…”when your as old as me we will see, how stubborn you are”… I agreed, I would be stubborn, too. I think, sometimes when we start changing roles we forget to be patient and understanding… Like they were with you. 😉 I would love to win some books.. 😉
Thanks so much for your entertaining comment, Jeanine! I have several friends who either refuse to or took years to finally get hearing aids. I guess I’m too nosy to be without good hearing, even if I am a bit stubborn … I like the word tenacious. Good luck in the book giveaway!