She’s mother, mentor and muse…the first teacher who, throughout our lives, has taken up the mammoth task of moulding and shaping our identities. She’s responsible, too, for passing on those invaluable life lessons — necessary coping skills for life’s bumps.

For this reason SO celebrates mum, offering you a look back at mother in her youth, around the same age as daughter, and musing on all she represents. Happy Mother’s Day!

Angara Sinclair’s lessons from mum Annette Francis-Barnett:

Always be truthful.

Do well in school.

Be kind.

Annette Francis-Barnett’s lesson from late mum Gwendolyn Francis:

Reflecting on mum, this Mother’s Day, I would say, mum epitomised infinite patience and godly wisdom. She was a force! Yet not forceful. She was a determined, hardworking woman who was fiercely loyal to her family. Have I learnt anything from my mother? I am certainly still trying to understand her journey and the older I get and as I parent Angara, more and more of what she said and did makes perfectly good sense! If I am half the mother my mum was I would consider myself successful. Often times, when she didn’t seem to be reaching my siblings and me as children and we were not accepting her rationale for a particular decision, she would go back to her roots as a Jamaican country girl and tell us some parable (we grew up on a lot of parables). One I always remember her telling us is: Pig say, ‘Mumma, mek yuh mouth so long?’ And Mumma answered, “Ah chile, yuh deh a worl’, yuh wi si” (I defer to Carolyn Cooper on any issue of grammar and spelling of patois, as it was not taught in school). Mother’s Day is a great time to say “thank you mum, for all the time and all the love…”

No I didn’t learn to bake and sew… Mum tried. Sorry, I have no recipes. Mum did all that stuff.

I did learn from her the value of hard work and patience…

Samantha Brandt’s lesson from mum Sharon Brandt

One lesson that she has taught me was, “Never allow a man to determine who you are, what you are and what you are worth. You determine what you are worth, who, and what you are.”

Mina and Ava Robertson’s lessons from mum Charlene Robertson

It may sound like a cliché, but the both of us know we have the most amazing mother — we say that as an absolute. She puts us first at all times, and never shows us the sacrifices she makes, but has taught us to recognise and be grateful for them. Subconsciously, she has taught us to love each other unconditionally. We know she puts everything she has – all her energy, into us. The lessons we have learnt from our mum have moulded us into who we are; have made us aware of what we are capable of being and will create the people we will be.

The lessons learnt from our mum span a wide range. Firstly, there are those which I didn’t quite understand before and tended to ignore. For example, we were taught to dress appropriately — always. Shorts were meant for the beach. I learnt that you only get one chance to make a first impression, and it’s the lasting one. We learnt propriety over vanity. Some were tough love; we learnt not to ever feel sorry for ourselves, there will always be someone who has it worse than we do. Nothing will ever be handed to you; if you want something you will have to work for it. We were also taught, and it may sound harsh, ‘You have no friends’. What she means is, your family is your base, your full trust should lie only in them, as you never know what your ‘friends’ will do to you. Spiritually, we learnt to always think positively. The universe only replies to your messages. We learnt to keep good company, as your friends represent who you are and do somewhat affect you. There are the lessons about becoming a professional; we must follow through with our commitments. No matter how insignificant we may think the job is, we must do our best because if everyone did their jobs to the best of their ability the world would function much better. We know to respect everyone, everyone has a purpose in this world and without them we would not be able to develop as human beings. Every job is important and one must take pride in his or her work. Most of all, my sister and I were always made aware of our blessings. We know that it wasn’t just an accident of birth that placed us where we are. We’ve learnt that we must fulfil our potential, absorb every opportunity and work hard. We know that, like food, we must not waste our talents and opportunities because there are others who would love to do what we are blessed to do. We must fulfil our potential, and help others to do the same.

The most outstanding lessons which my mother has taught me are all based on the following words: potential, capability, possibility, motivation, pride and accomplishment. Both my sister and I have grown up hearing our mother encourage us to live to our full potential and embrace every opportunity. Over the years we have learnt to aspire to be all that we are capable of being and to never settle, welcome all challenges, big and small. Perhaps the most important life lesson of them all is to accept that in this world there will be people who will love to see you fail, but while accepting that fact, turn a blind eye towards it all and, “Do your own thing.” Never mind what other people say, think or do, do not focus on the negativities, just smile and continue to do the best you can. Our mother always taught us to first help ourselves rather than rely on others to help us. She taught us that in life we will not have everything done for us or have other people save us from sticky situations or ‘potholes in the road’. We would have to learn to use our better judgement and to work independently. In other words, nothing is going to be handed to you in a silver platter, no one will give you a carefully worded letter telling you how to live your life. If you want something, you must work for it. She taught us to always give back. We must always offer our assistance and help in the best way we can. Our mother has taught us to always have pride. Have pride in what you do, have pride in your appearance and to be proud of who you are, what you are, where you come from and of what you want to be. Our mum has dedicated her life to us. She has put her best efforts into us in the hope that one day we will be able to understand the lessons she has taught us and to be able to pass them on. We are both in agreement when we say that we still have a lot more to learn and a lot of lessons with concepts that have been ignored and which have yet to be grasped, but if we have learnt anything in our 13 and 15 years of life it is to live well.

The most outstanding lessons which my mother has taught me are all based on the following words: potential, capability, possibility, motivation, pride and accomplishment. Both my sister and I have grown up hearing our mother encourage us to live to our full potential and embrace every opportunity. Over the years we have learnt to aspire to be all that we are capable of being and to never settle, welcome all challenges, big and small. Perhaps the most important life lesson of them all is to accept that in this world there will be people who will love to see you fail, but while accepting that fact, turn a blind eye towards it all and, “Do your own thing.” Never mind what other people say, think or do, do not focus on the negativities, just smile and continue to do the best you can. Our mother always taught us to first help ourselves rather than rely on others to help us. She taught us that in life we will not have everything done for us or have other people save us from sticky situations or ‘potholes in the road’. We would have to learn to use our better judgement and to work independently. In other words, nothing is going to be handed to you in a silver platter, no one will give you a carefully worded letter telling you how to live your life. If you want something, you must work for it. She taught us to always give back. We must always offer our assistance and help in the best way we can. Our mother has taught us to always have pride. Have pride in what you do, have pride in your appearance and to be proud of who you are, what you are, where you come from and of what you want to be. Our mum has dedicated her life to us. She has put her best efforts into us in the hope that one day we will be able to understand the lessons she has taught us and to be able to pass them on. We are both in agreement when we say that we still have a lot more to learn and a lot of lessons with concepts that have been ignored and which have yet to be grasped, but if we have learnt anything in our 13 and 15 years of life it is to live well.

Arnella and Alexisse Chin’s lessons from mum Roma Chin

Life is a learning lesson. Never regret your mistakes, learn from them. If you live with regret, you will never successfully move forward.

Always carry yourself with respect. Good manners are a valuable asset.

Do not procrastinate! Do what you have to do and when you’re done you will feel accomplished.

Be grateful and humble. Never look down on people. “Scornful dog nyam dutty puddin’.”

“Never bite the hand that feeds you.” Family is the most important thing in the world. Always gather with your family for dinner. This is a great bonding time where you can chit-chat and talk about your day.

Krystal Chong’s lessons from mum Michelle Chong

From as early as my mum Michelle can remember she had dreams of being a teacher, and during her first two years of marriage she relished being a third form Math teacher at Campion College. But when my dad bought a small bakery shop in the old Spanish Court and needed the help juggling all the things he was working on, there was no second-guessing what she would do. Last year, when Stocks and Securities interviewed her for their “Life Appreciates” campaign, they dubbed her ‘Endless Giver, Restless Enthusiast.’ It was during this interview that I realised she lives her dreams of being a teacher every day of life, with every manager, supervisor, production staff, driver, CHILD, whomever. The beauty of her leadership lies in her qualities as a teacher, someone who finds joy in developing and helping others grow into their full potential. This is what I believe has been our modest company’s competitive edge. Twenty-eight years of 70-plus-hour work weeks, four children and one of those ‘last to leave the dance floor marriages’ later, the lessons my mother has taught me (most of which are still a work in progress) are in stark contrast to the values of the generation I grew up in:

1. Hard and more importantly, honest work pays off; short-cut results are short-lived.

2. Cherish your commitments. Never go into anything half-in-half-out. Rise to the occasion when those commitments are tested, it only makes them stronger.

3. Live good, be honest — there’s nothing like the security and serenity of a clear conscience, both in business and everyday life.

4. The beauty of ambition, when it’s not monetary- or greed-based, but from a different place. Her drive has always come from her family. At first it was wanting the best education for her children and now it’s wanting to help us give the best to ours.

5. Faith allows you to find peace in less than peaceful circumstances because you know that one day in the future, when you can see the bigger picture, you’ll be thankful for those moments.

6. Humility is cool.

Carolyn Chuck’s lesson from mum Patricia Chuck, (handed down from Dorothy Hunte):

In keeping with the whole Mother’s Day theme, I’ll share something that my grandmother told my mother and my mother told me:

“How a guy treats his mother is a good indicator of how he’s likely to treat you.”

Michelle ‘D’Angel’ Davis’ lesson from mum Pansy Nesbeth

Never express ill will toward anyone, time is the master of all things.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Always seek satisfaction in everything.

Never follow the crowd, be an individual.

Focus, pray hard and you’ll excel.

Naomi Garrick’s lesson from mum Colette Garrick

The most valuable lesson my mum taught me was to have FAITH in myself and all that I do; to believe and visualise the things that I want in life, and to never give up, no matter how hard the road to life gets.

Christine Gomes’ lessons from mum Lisa Gomes

It’s hard to sum up in writing what I have learnt from my mother because she is such a phenomenal woman. Every day she teaches me something new. I shall however reiterate what she has told me time and time again. Mum always says that I should be independent. She has drilled in my head, again and again that I should be a strong, independent woman. She always reminded me that I enjoy the finer things in life and if I wanted to continue to enjoy these things that I would have to work hard to achieve this. I believe that she used this ploy to ensure that I excel. Mum has never hindered my dreams and has always supported my thoughts and ideas. This freedom allows me the space to be my own person and thus to be independent.

The second thing that she reminds me about on a daily basis through every means including Facebook and/or emails is to love myself. She reminds me that you have to love yourself first before you can love anyone else. Mum says that one needs to take care of oneself before one can take care of anyone else. You have to appreciate yourself first before you can be appreciated. This plays over and over again in my head, because both my mother and I have a tendency to always take care of other people’s needs before our own. She is right of course, how can you take care of someone if you can’t take care for yourself?

I am thankful to have a mother/best friend like her, she is the apple of my eye and I truly love her dearly and wish for her a Happy Mother’s Day.

Timberlee Heaven’s lesson from mum Fay

Of everything I’ve learnt from simply growing up with my Mummy, diplomacy combined with modesty ranks the highest on my list. Next to that comes self-sufficiency and taking good physical care of myself. My mother isn’t the type to really sit and reason out anything, but she has most definitely mastered the art of teaching by example. Well put-together, wise enough to talk less and listen more, along with being completely independent while exuding class from her pores. ‘She nice yuh si… lawd. That’s my mama!’

Alaine Laughton’s lesson from mum Myrna Laughton

Nothing makes you feel as powerful as unconditional love and support; my mother has taught me how to give and receive it. I have always received it from my mother. I’ve been growing into the woman that I am now and I have seen defeat, but it’s so heartwarming to know that someone is there, no matter what. It’s not always easy to do. I’ve learned what it is to be loved and to show love and what to expect from love.

Kimberley Lue Lim’s lesson from Gail Lue Lim:

At two years old, I was choosing my own outfits. Growing up, I was always nurtured to embrace my own voice and — though I knew differently — to believe my innate talents were nothing short of super powers. If I said, “Mummy, I want to be an astronaut!” my mother would waste no time in telling me how capable, if not overqualified, I was for the job. With constant showers of encouragement, at times, I would get overwhelmed with this immense faith my mother had in my potential. As I got older, I realised how important her consistent motivation was in shaping my ambitions today. Now, my challenge is not finding something that I believe I can do, it is deciding which path of extraordinary achievement I will choose. And once I’m through, I can surely see my mother saying, “I always knew you could!”

Malinda Williams’ lessons she learnt from mum Beverly:

How to make her famous, moist, delicious pound cake.

How to raise healthy, confident and intelligent children.

How to be beautiful and love the skin I’m in.

Makayla McHugh’s lesson from mum Patrice:

I am only six years old, but the most valuable lesson my mum has thought me is to be a well-rounded young lady. She is the most wonderful mother, she has taught me to be kind and loving and caring to others and to be a strong and powerful young lady. To be a leader and always be calm. It is because of her why I am good in spelling club, dancing, swimming and playing the piano. I am glad she is around every day so I can learn from her. She makes me feel that she is here just to be my mum. She is the best mum in the world. I love you, mum.

Neysha Soodeen’s lesson from mum Sandy Soodeen:

Sandy is not just my mum, she has been and remains my closest confidante. She jokes (although deep down I am positive she is dead serious) when she says, ‘Neysha’s umbilical cord has never been cut’. Of course, now that I am a mum myself, I rely on her more than ever and thank God that she is part of our lives. Sandy in many ways is a very simple woman who enjoys the very simple things in life: Family, good friends and a lot of laughter. She not only taught me, but instilled the most valuable lesson in my life. It’s a simple one, but it has augured well for me throughout the years with all of my relationships, whether it be family, past loves, friends, foes or business relationships.

‘ALWAYS DO WHAT’S RIGHT’.

I sometimes have to force myself to do this and wish I could just take simple revenge on someone who has done me wrong, or say something to hurt those who have hurt me or my family… but, YES, mothers are always right. My only hope is that I could be half of the mother to my son Tej as Sandy was to me.

Anastasia Surtees’ lesson from mum Paula Surtees:

My mother has taught me a lot. She has taught me never to let people take advantage of me and to be independent. She has been there for me in times of need and confusion. I can tell her anything. We talk about everything I’m going through and she gives me advice. My mum is also my best friend. We have fun better than friends do. When we go out, we party like there is no tomorrow.

We argue at times but we can never stay mad at each other. I remember the times when we would drive to Burger King on Fridays and her favourite song would play and she would dance and give jokes. We would both look at each other and laugh. When we go out to events we would go on the dance floor together and dance with each other and people would watch us and smile and I would just laugh.

My mum has also taught me to have fun and not to worry about what people think. She has also taught me never to feel inferior to anyone and to treat everybody the same, whether rich or poor. She is a mother and a best friend and I would never replace her with anyone. I love my mother to death. I have always told her that I love her and I hope she never forgets it because a mother’s love can never be replaced.

Sanya Richards-Ross’ lesson from mum Sharon Richards:

My mother has taught me to be patient and to believe that everything happens for a reason.

She taught me to always stay encouraged.

She taught me to know that good things happen to the ones that wait!

Tanya Shirley’s lesson from mum Madge Shirley:

My mother has taught me many valuable lessons… to choose the path less travelled; to give with an open heart; to laugh in the face of adversity; to listen for God’s voice; to always say “please” and “thank you”; to sit up straight; to say “I love you” often to the people I love and that I will never be too old to sit in her lap and lay my head on her shoulder.

Melissa McIntosh (left) and Kimberley Kaye’s lesson from mum Yvonne Smith

“Always put others before yourself. Remember to respect yourself and others. And most importantly always look cute when leaving the house.”

Nadia Stanley’s lesson from mum Jean-Fuller Stanley and grandma Lovina Fuller:

My mum Jean-Fuller Stanley (left) being an organic chemistry professor always taught my sister Sofia Stanley (who is an entertainment lawyer) and I about inner beauty. Focusing on education, manners, compassion, self-esteem over VANITY! That’s why my Fashion Nails business logo is True Beauty is Inner Beauty, but outer beauty should never be neglected!

We were raised in a very affluent town in Massachusetts, but my mum made sure we knew what it was like to go without! My sister and me were surprised when we got to the age and realised that my mum never bought us the latest shoes, latest video games, not because she couldn’t afford it but was teaching us a priceless life lesson! So I was able to learn that I don’t need any superficial thing in order to be fabulous, all of those things are just ‘brawta’!

Main thing, she raised us to be independent and know who we are and to love ourselves despite what anyone tells us! Working on all those lessons might not be appealing in the short term but I’ve found it quite rewarding as time goes by!

My grandmother has taught us class, etiquette and how to be a lady! My grandmother, even at the age of 85 (seen here), teaches us still to work hard and strive for our goals and most important, live life and be happy!

Jodi and Traci Stewart’s lesson from mum Nanda Stewart:

One thing our mum was always telling us was: “If you’re going to do something, do it properly” and she led by example: any task she took on was well thought out and completed. This little saying has helped both Traci and me, as we have both learned to develop the discipline to finish whatever we start. When we put our mind to doing something properly it pays off in the end.

Tami Chynn and Tessanne Chin’s lesson from mum Christine Chin

Tessanne: My mum always made sure she taught me to teach people how to treat you. No one can steal your joy or upset you unless you give them the power to do so, in which case she taught me how to take back control of my emotions and to live the life that I’ve always dreamed of and continue to dream about. She’s a gift to her children, to me and to the world.

Tami: My Mum (affectionately known as Moomaz) taught me that FAILURE IS FICTION and that every try is a success. She taught me that every time I got knocked down the real success was in getting up, brushing myself off and trying again. She has taught me that the measure of success is not based on what the world deems as successful but rather based on my own happiness.

Leanne McMaster’s lesson from mum Wendy MacMaster

My mother has thaught me many things, but these are just a few of the important ones:

1. Determination — she told me never to give up and always fight to the end.

2. Courage — she constantly reminds me never to back down because of fear.

3. Hardworking — she always said to train at my full potential and I will achieve my goal.

4. Hope and faith, these words have never slipped from my mind since I was little… always have hope and faith in the Lord at any point in my life especially when things seem very difficult.

Rachel Wade’s lesson from mum Heather Wade:

“To be confident in who I am and what I do. The talent we have is from the Lord, and capturing the beauty in nature and people, reflects His marvellous creation. I’m always aware of this, and of the fact that the ability to be artistic is a gift from God, and that I am here to use it to help others see the beauty in the things around them.”

Tiffany Wong’s lesson from mum Judith Wong

My mum has always emphasised the importance of FAMILY and I plan to instill that in my children as well one day, without family you have nothing — and it all starts with the mother.