An Effective Cleaner

Yesterday on NPR, listeners were invited to call and share a favorite quote or bit of advice that their mom used to say to them. While listening to the callers, I couldn't help but think of one of the last pieces of advice that my mom gave to me. (And, while we are on this topic, what is some good advice that your mother gave to you?)

After my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I went to Utah several times to help my family throughout 2009. On one trip, I was helping to clean my mom's bedroom, while my mom rested on a chair and told me where things were supposed to be placed. I must have picked up several items off of the floor at once, and then placed some things back down (on a dresser or the bed) so that I could put each item away, one at a time. My mom (who loved to give advice) was watching me and said, "An effective cleaner only touches something once before putting it away." I realized, then and there, that I was expending extra energy in my cleaning process.

My mom's advice about cleaning has stuck with me, and I'm glad about it. I've never felt like my mom and I had the same approach to housework or orderliness, and I sometimes would get frustrated when I would go to my parent's home for a visit. Before this occasion when I was cleaning my mom's room, I don't know if I would have even asked my mom for advice on cleaning or organizing. It wouldn't have occurred to me. I'm glad that I can now think about my mom and her advice while I am doing housework every day, which is something that I probably wouldn't have done before. And now, since my mom has passed away, I especially like to think back on times when I have connected with my mom or been influenced by the advice she has given to me.

Whenever I am cleaning the house or putting dishes away, always try to just touch something once before putting it away.

I love you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day.