“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act of infinite optimism.” — Gilda Radner

In honor of Mother’s Day on May 8, we asked our readers to share what they learned from their moms.

• My mother worked from the time I was a very young child, which given my advanced age, was not looked upon kindly by others (“a woman’s place is in the home” was the mantra in those days). Mom didn’t work because she needed the money (my father had a good job with the federal government); she did it because she WANTED to work and firmly believed that she could have a fulfilling job and still be a good mom. Many years later when my children were very young, I followed my mom’s example and also made the choice to work because I knew I simply wouldn’t be happy staying at home as a full-time mom. Having had my own mom to light the way for me was truly inspiring!

• My mother, Wanda Clark Maya, born in 1904, was a registered nurse and a lover of nature. I’m not an RN, but I do so love nature: birds, trees, the sea and all the other plants and critters. She would take my brother and me on bird-watching hikes from an early age. And, she taught us to fish and clean the fish and cook the fish. She was kind to others and showed us great love. I hope I’ve passed that love on to others. I sure miss her.

• My mom taught me the power of love and selflessness and support.

• My mom taught me how to appreciate music when I was young.

• My mom facilitated in me a sense of community.

• My mom showed me, through example, to approach all of life’s situations with integrity and to make the right and honorable choice even if it means not getting what you want. She taught me to hold my head high in the face of heartbreak; to commit myself fully to what it’s important to me; to work hard for my goals and to open my heart to love, regardless of the consequences.