My mother is a great woman, who always ruled with an iron hand. She was always loving and gentle but knew when she had to be tough. She managed to raise four boys and help out anywhere on the farm. How she could meticulously keep a clean house, cook absolutely great meals, bake and help out on the farm was nothing short of a marvel.
Discipline was definitely my mother’s role. My father is a very laid-back person and never seemed to get riled up about anything. If my mother spoke or gave an order, however, the kids always listened. Her rule was: make the punishment fit the crime.