Ruth Preuss, June 4, 2017
My mother’s birthday is today. She would have been 79 years old. She died just over a year ago.
My mother was a school nurse, a compassionate friend to many, and a major advocate in our lives to do something that we loved.
She left me with so many gifts. So many lessons.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to share them with you in a way that respects her legacy. It’s really hard. But today, in honor of her birthday, I’m going to try.
This month, my business turned five years old. Recast City is my passion and I love to bring that to communities. It is based on a set of beliefs that are part of my core. And it is a business inspired by many things I learned from my parents. (Thankfully my father is still around making trouble!)
So in honor of my mother’s birthday and the RC anniversary, here are a few lessons from my mother that guide my days, my work, and honestly, my life. I hope they help you too - with your community, your work, and your life.
10th grade semi-formal dress!
Lesson 1: Everyone should be able to hang blinds
My mother knew that tools were her friends. She knew to measure 3 times and how to hang the blinds. She knew that she could learn how to use a new tool when she needed (old sewing machine vs crazy hi-tech quilting sewing machine). And if she didn’t like it, she’d rip apart the seams and do it again (like my 10th grade semi-formal dress). Not aiming at perfection but aiming at something she was proud of.
Lesson 2: Every person should feel valued
My mother worked with children as a school nurse, created community celebrations out of thin air, and was a grandparent extraordinaire. She said that every child should feel valued, worthy, and loved. She believed that this was the essential ingredient for children to thrive. Every person (and to me - every place) should feel valued.
Lesson 3: There is always room for one more at the table
We always added more people to the table. From cousins, to visiting friends, to the kid of a long-lost friend from 30 years ago who happens to be traveling through town, to new friends of mine who got swept into the family along the way – there was always room for more people at the table. They were included and accepted. No matter what. We just kept adding to the table.
As I look back over the past 5 years of Recast City, I think I’ve been true to her lessons. At least I hope I’ve been. Honestly, I’m not even sure I knew those lessons were guiding my business until I stopped and looked. But they are the foundation from my mother. They are the foundations of who I am. They are the foundations of the work I will do. And I hope they are the foundations of where you go too.
My wish for the new year?
We should all feel comfortable with a tool in our hand, know that we are valued and value others around us, and always, always make room for more people at the table.