My mother told me as long ago as I can remember "Son, if you have nothing good to say about a person, say nothing."

She lived by that for the whole of her 87 years of life, and never, in all that time, did I hear her say anything bad about anyone.

You always knew when she disapproved of someone though. When that person's name was mentioned, she would turn, look out of the window, and say something about the weather.

A direct question would elicit the response "No Comment".

I wish I could say I've followed that precept, and for the most part I've tried to, but I am not made of the same stuff she was.

I still admire her, and I miss her more than I could ever say, especially on those occasions when I know I SHOULD hold my tongue.

One thing I do remember, though! Death was NOT a requirement in order for her to avoid speaking ill of her fellow humans.

Don T.