My mom never ceases to amaze me. She’s 91 years old, but her attitude and zeal for life is like someone much younger. She loves people and can find something to laugh about in almost any situation. 

Just the other day I made her an appointment to have a checkup at Dr. Cecil Farrington’s office in Salisbury. Kim Rogers is a physician’s assistant in that office and has been taking care of Mom for over 20 years. Mom loves Kim to death and knows everything about her family. Going to Dr. Farrington’s is more like going to a friend’s house because everyone knows Mom by name. On this particular visit, Mom gave Kim a hug and began telling her a funny story that happened the previous week. While telling the story, she was laughing so hard she could barely catch her breath. Kim and I both were laughing at her laughing. 

I later asked Mom what kind of things make her laugh, and she said talking to people, having fun and watching funny programs on television. Her favorite programs are “Three’s Company” and “America’s Funniest Videos.” Even though she watches “America’s Funniest Videos” and thinks the episodes are funny, she’s still concerned about people getting hurt when they bump into things or fall. 

Mom often tells me I should laugh more, and I agree, but in this economy, with the cost of everything going up and wages staying the same, sometimes it’s hard to laugh. Looking back, my husband, Michael, and I could have done a better job of planning by saving more and not spending money on things we didn’t need. I see now I should have listened to my parents and followed their example. 

Mom and Dad married in 1947 and made a promise to each other that if they couldn’t pay cash for an item, they would do without. Other than their mortgage, they kept that promise and never went into debt. In other words, they lived within their means. 

Jeff Yeager, the Ultimate Cheapskate Guru, was recently interviewed by Katie Scarvey for the Salisbury Post and said, “We need to get rid of personal debt.” Mom and Dad understood that concept long before it was fashionable. For example, my dad bought a 1960 Ford Fairlane, which he drove for over 20 years. When it began to rust, he painted it with a paint brush. It didn’t look that great, but he was proud he didn’t have to pay someone else to paint it. My parents’ first and only house had four rooms. It was the house I grew up in and where Mom lives today. I used to think it was too small. Now I think it’s just right. 

Mom loves her little house and is perfectly content living there, but even so she looks forward to our weekly trips into town, which might mean going to Hair USA for an appointment with Mildred Smith. Mildred always fixes Mom’s hair just the way she likes it. Other times it might mean going to the grocery store or out to eat. The bottom line is, it doesn’t matter where we go, Mom’s ready to talk and have a good laugh with anyone who’s willing to stop and chat. 

Mom and I don’t always agree on everything, yet through the years we both have mellowed and appreciate each other not only as mother and daughter, but also as friends. I can truly say I enjoy her company, her stories and her laughter. Now I suppose it would be wise of me to take her advice and laugh a little more. Who am I to question my mom? After all, she’s 91, and I’m still just a kid. 

Dicy McCullough’s book, “Tired of School,” is available on amazon.com, dicymcculloughbooks.com and at local bookstores. Contact her at 704-278-4377.