After being admitted to the High School of my choice, I had an admitted student interview with one of the religious order teachers.  Several of the questions probed my home and family.  This led to some discussions of the role of mother and father.  Mom, as is the case in many families, was the compass of good social behavior and manners.  She was the glue for the sibling bonds.  The Brother smiled.  To this day the six siblings get along as do our children, the fourteen cousins!  What a nice legacy to celebrate this Mother's Day.

Several years ago I wrote an article for the Baker's Association newsletter on customer service.  I described an incident at a drug store cashier line.  The cashier was very disinterested in what she was doing.  I resolved to not speak unless spoken to. (No small feat as anyone who knows me can attest)  The entire transaction took place without a word spoken.  My mother would never allow such behavior at our family bakery and never in our family interactions.

These two incidents came to mind because of what happened in the supermarket the other day.  The woman in front of me on the line to checkout was on her cell phone.  The entire transaction including the swipe of the credit card was made during her phone conversation.  No eye contact or acknowledgment of the cashier was made.  At my turn, I apologized to the young lady and remarked how rude it was of that customer to treat her like that.  She said, "That's okay, it happens all the time."  How sad.  It doesn't matter which side of the counter you are on, bad behavior is bad behavior.  I sometimes lament the invention of the cell phone.  Then I think, Thank You Mom, we certainly could use more moms like you today.