Probably everyone has seen the great Christmas film, "A Christmas Story" (1983). We know that in that film, young Ralphie only wants one thing for Christmas: A Red Ryder Air Rifle "BB" gun. However, he is constantly reminded by practically everyone, including Santa Claus, AND HIS MOTHER, that if he gets the gun he will "shoot your eye out."

Good old mom, how she always looked out for us kids by dispensing an endless list of advice to discipline us and make our lives better. The above advice by mom was one of the most common. BB guns were popular with kids in the 1940s and 1950s and I suppose some kid along the way did lose an eye from being hit by a BB, but not many. Mom's attitude was that "you never can be too careful," another great "momism."

Do you remember what your mom would say if you wanted to buy something that you really didn't need? I'm sure you have heard "Do you think that money grows on trees?

Most kids thought it was funny to cross their eyes. If mom saw you do that you most likely would hear, "One of these days your eyes are going to stay like that!"

How about the time mom was chewing you out for something you did wrong and you would look at the ground in disgrace. You might hear, "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Even worse was when she told you, "You just wait until your father gets home!"

Although mom could be tough she cared about your health. She had all the answers and was usually right. Chicken Soup WAS good for a cold. A good breakfast WAS important. Washing your hands DOES ward off colds. Carrots DO help eyesight.

No one is always right and mom was incorrect when she said that you can catch a cold by going outside with wet hair, you will ruin your eyes by reading in the dark, and it takes seven years for chewing gum to pass through your system.

Right or wrong, mom always meant well and loved us. We'll always remember her for that. She even begrudgingly let me have a Red Ryder BB gun. No, I didn't shoot my eye out.