Wisdom of Our Elders

Family wisdom offers a strong foundation in today's world. The words of our parents (and our grandparents if we were lucky enough to have known them) can stay with us throughout the years. We asked Beliefnet members to send us some of their favorite nuggets of guidance or inspiration they received from their elders. The following are a selection of family sayings worth passing on to the next generation.

A Woman's Worth

I was raised by my maternal grandmother, Antonia Hernandez. I never called her Grandma. I called her Mom, because that's what she was to me. She always gave me unconditional love, support, and acceptance. She always knew just what to say to encourage me when I was at my lowest.

I went through a difficult romantic period in my 20's. I remember telling her that it seemed that I was never going to find anyone to love me and that I felt like a loser. Something she said to me has always stayed with me since: "A woman is like gold, always valuable." She was teaching me to consider myself worthy under all circumstances. I'm proud to say over the years I worked on improving my self-esteem. I value myself and know my worth.

Antoinette Pignataro
New York, N.Y.

PIcture: My mom, Antonia Hernandez, and me

Anger Goes, but Love Stays

When I was a child and had done something wrong, I was corrected by my father. After my punishment, Dad would always make me kiss and hug him and would tell me that he loved me. My dad expressed in this ritual that he loved me but hated what I had done. I use the same ritual on my son now. He is named after my dad who died six months before he was born.

Recently I corrected my son, Eddie, and after his time-out, I told him we needed to hurry to get somewhere. As I turned and walked out of the room, Eddie stopped me and said "Dad, where is my hug and kiss?" It really hit home that anger goes away, but loves stays. I am forever grateful for this pearl of wisdom from my dad.

Jay E. Michael
Dublin, Ohio

Picture: My father, Edward C. Michael, passed away in 1999.

Early to Rise

My father was born in the former Soviet Union during the start of World War II in 1940. His parents were hard-working people, and their wisdom he passed on to me.

When I was a young girl and would sometimes get lazy and want to sleep late, my dad would tell me a Russian saying, which in English goes: "G-d gives to those who rise early." I have been waking up at 5 a.m. my whole adult life. This daily routine has helped me accomplish a lot (graduate from law school, have two young active kids, and work hard as a paralegal in a law firm, and manage a household). I am grateful to my dad for teaching me that when you don't waste time in the morning, you get a lot more accomplished in your life.

Violetta Volovnikov Milman
Sherman Oaks, California

Picture: My mom and dad