Mother knows best: a daughter looks back on words of wisdom from her mother

Ormond Beach Observer
News

"You can never make a mistake in the kitchen."

Those words from her mother have stuck with Susanna Williamson, even now as a wife and mother.

For Williamson, the winner of this year's Mother Knows Best contest, the words of advice aren't only about cooking though, they're about life and knowing that while mistakes will be made, there is always room for growth.

Growing up, Williamson and her six siblings were homeschooled, which meant a lot of time spent with their mother, Susan Black. Many of those school lessons happened in the kitchen where, sooner or later, the family would also be getting together to cook or bake. Williamson, who was usually in charge of the mashed potatoes, is quick to admit she had more than one mishap in the kitchen.

But her mother would say, "you can never make a mistake in the kitchen," and life would go on.

Williamson credits her mother, who she calls a nurturer, for teaching her everything she knows, from cooking to home care. Growing up, Williamson remembers her mother as having a heart for teaching and someone she always wanted near her. Her mother made learning fun and cooking a family activity.

Williamson said that even though mashed potatoes were usually her designated dish, she would always be helping with other areas of the meal. And life lessons extended beyond the family's kitchen. Black was known for making spaghetti, especially her spaghetti sauce, and would frequently make meals for other individuals or families who needed the extra help.

"She ministered a lot to thorough her cooking, she loves cooking for people," Williamson said. "I hope I can also teach my kids the benefit of blessing other people through giving."

Williamson, now the mother a little girl, continues to set her mother as an example in her own life, whether that is giving and accepting forgiveness or trying to perfect a recipe for dinner.

Williamson said that as soon as her own daughter is old enough she wants her to start helping in the kitchen and learning the same way she did. Even though Williamson and Black may not share the same kitchen anymore, and Williamson lives in Daytona Beach and Black in Ormond, they continue to have time together.

But cooking is still important, which means recipes are still shared. And if something doesn't go according to plan, Williamson knows what to whisper to herself: "you can never make a mistake in the kitchen."