Today, actually this morning, is the 15th anniversary of my mothers passing. It is milestones like this, that make me sit back and think about my own journey.
There are hardly any days that go past, that I don’t think about her and miss her terribly. Those Mums hugs when you’re feeling down or not well, the little things that mums instinctively do for you. Her smile, and I try hard to keep the sound of her voice in my head.
For me my Mum was an incredibly amazing strong woman. She passed at the age of 92. Two weeks prior, she was at her grandson’s water polo game calling out support (I don’t think I could say she yelled, but she was vocal). I remember as we were leaving the audience area of the swimming complex and heading down the stairs, that I went to take her arm to ensure (I thought) her safe descent, when she shook off my hand and told me off as she said, “I am not useless”. Just the thought of it now makes me smile. I guess that is where my stubbornness comes from – thanks Mum
It was the following morning that she had her stroke. Unbeknown to me she had been having headaches, but she had not complained of them, it wasn’t her way. She passed 2 weeks later, and my life has never been the same since. I have had to watch my kids finish growing up without their beloved Grandmother, and I often hope that we had stored up enough grandma hugs, kisses, smiles, and memories to carry them through the rest of their lives. I know that I dip into my “grandma” store often these days.
This week is also Mother’s Day here in New Zealand, and again it will be a day of remembering for me. Celebrating my amazing mother, I will take the time to light a candle and silently thank her for all she did for me and my little family and tell her all about her 4 amazing great grandchildren who she would have adored.
So, wherever your Mum is this weekend, whether its Mother’s Day where you are or not, give her a call, a hug (or virtual one) or visit her and let’s celebrate these amazing women who have made us the people we are today.
Thank you, Mum.