Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity — a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother.
– Rose Kennedy

Sometimes when I look at all my children, I say to myself, ‘Lillian, you should have stayed a virgin.'”
– Lillian Carter

I think a lot of our problems are because people don’t listen to our children. It’s not always easy. They’re not always so brilliant that you want to spend hours with them.
– Barbara Bush 

My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.
– George Washington

All that I am, my mother made me.
– John Quincy Adams

There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness. The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, the only capital I had to start life with, and on that capital I have made my way.
– Andrew Jackson

The greatest lessons I have every learned were at my mother’s knees… All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
– Abraham Lincoln

No one in the world can take the place of your mother. Right or wrong, from her viewpoint you are always right. She may scold you for little things, but never for the big ones.
– Harry Truman

Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.
– John Fitzgerald Kennedy

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Donna Henes is the author of The Queen of My Self: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife. She offers counseling and upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity. Consult the MIDLIFE MIDWIFE™

The Queen welcomes questions concerning all issues of interest to women in their mature years. Send your inquiries to thequeenofmyself@aol.com.