Surely you remember the rules your mama told you as you were growing up. “Stand up straight and tall!” “Brush your teeth!” Don’t talk with your mouth full!” Oh, mama was full of those rules that she said would take us through life. However, the one I remember the most is, “Always wear clean underwear!” I, for one, have taken this to heart.

In December, I experienced a mild heart attack early in the morning. I was still in my pajamas, hadn’t brushed my teeth, and was donning the usual bedhead. My granddaughter had only just arrived for remote school when the event came on, so I was preparing her breakfast at the time. A sudden sharp pain stabbed at my chest then traveled up my neck to my jawline. I dropped the butter knife and turned to my husband in fear.

I sat down thinking it would just pass in a few minutes, but when almost an hour went by, I told my husband that I thought I had better go to the hospital. Word to the wise….don’t wait this long! Call 911 immediately! After I told my husband that I thought I needed to be seen, I wanted to do at least one thing…..change my underwear. My dear mama was whispering in my ear….”Change your underwear!” Why, oh, why was I listening to her now of all times! In the bedroom I went, got out of the pajamas, changed the underwear, threw on some clothes quickly, and then “she” spoke to me again….”Brush your teeth!” So, while my chest is nearly exploding, I’m trying to brush my blasted teeth. My husband was not being patient with me and on the verge of being angry.

By the time we got to the hospital the heart event was over. The doctors kept me there for two days running tests and monitoring my heart the whole time. Yes, I was given a lecture on waiting so long. I didn’t tell them I had to have clean underwear or needed to brush my teeth. They would have put me in the psych ward instead of the cardiac unit.

In hindsight, I loved my mama with all my heart, but those words of wisdom got me into a bit of trouble this time. I do believe now you have to judge for yourself. Maybe you have to have Jacob M. Appel’s philosophy, “Be optimistic. Always put on clean underwear as if you’re going on a date.” Hmmm! A little risqué maybe?

Now, I’m a fanatic about having on clean underwear for those “just in case” moments. You never know if you’re going to be heading out the door in an emergency. So, just change the darned underwear frequently, and you will always be okay. Ray Bradbury said it just right, “Life is like underwear, it should be changed twice a day.”

Mama was full of wisdom. I realize that now that I’m a senior citizen. However, sometimes we just have to judge for ourselves when to listen or when to use our own judgment. Can you recall a time when your mama’s voice was giving you advice? Did you heed her wise words or go with your own thinking? What was the occasion? Until then……. have a terrifically true Tuesday, be safe, and I love you!