“Deliberately Diverse” represents the individual thoughts and opinions of a group of Taylor friends who almost never completely agree about anything but are gratified by the opportunity to stimulate deliberately diverse discussions in our beloved community. Today’s column represents the thoughts and opinions of Matt Leschber, NOT the Taylor Press.
Today’s column comes to us from Matt Leschber’s remarks given at his mother Barbara’s celebration of life.
• Women are strong and can do anything a man can do. This is especially true for women from Texas.
• Do what you say. Keep your word. Do things the right way, every time.
• Travel while you can and while you’re young. You’ll love having those memories later.
• Five minutes early is on time. On time is late.
• Pay your bills on time. Always keep your commitments. Work before play.
• Love your neighbors. You’re going to need them one day. And they will treat you with unbelievable kindness.
• Being vulnerable and/or listening makes you stronger, not weaker.
• When all else fails, pour some coffee, keep listening and talking.
• Make people smile by smiling first. Say hello to people that are alone or you haven’t met. People feel alone until you talk to them, then neither of you is alone.
• [Mom was diagnosed with Cancer on her birthday in January]. Cherish time with your loved ones. What would you do differently, right now, if you knew you only had eight months to share with them?
• Material things are fun and blingy things are better but when you come to the end, the only thing you will want is to go home and be surrounded by family. Things are good only if they make you smile and if you get to share them with those you love.
• Most things in life can be achieved with persistence and tenacity.
• You have everything you need, inside you today, to be happy. Don’t waste or overlook your strength.
• Compliments are free to give away. Do so in abundance.
• Asking for help instead of favors may make you feel vulnerable but it makes the person helping you feel good.
• We work because we have to eat, pay bills and taxes. However, your work can be used to touch people, change their lives, build relationships that will last a life time and get you on the front page.
• Hug people you love every time you see them. Hug people you just met to build new friendships. Hug people you don’t like or that don’t like you, just to confuse them.
• Don’t leave the house wearing wrinkled clothing. Even if you are poor, you can iron your clothes. Don’t be lazy.
• Teenagers need to be heard and loved. They have endless potential.
• Men have no right to tell women what to do with their bodies.
• Matt: Lastly, mothers like mine, are the glue of our families and our communities.
Mothers, like mine, give endless love and support, can’t be replaced and never fail you.
