Originally Mothering Sunday was the fourth Sunday in Lent whereby people visited the mother church: where they were baptised or the nearest cathedral. Later it was when domestic servants were allowed to visit their mums. Mother’s Day is a modern concept and the two were combined, although in some countries they are celebrated separately.
Tomorrow is Mothers Day, which for many can be a day of sadness, a painful reminder of loss, for some what might have been, and to remember fondly what you had.
In my life I am surrounded by many mothers in our extended family and friends. A few don’t have children of their own, but nurture, support, encourage and love in many ways, and I am grateful to have them all in my life.
In life we wear many hats (although those that know me will know I don’t wear hats, so for me this is metaphorical) and the maternal hat is the most awesome, scary, privileged one to wear. The rewards are many as are the joys, but there are tears, doubts and insecurities. We do our best, we love, we’re there and we hold them tight when we can.
My Mum is amazing, from a large extended Italian family, born in Scotland, so we do good food, lots of gesticulation, emotion and love!
A stalwart, rarely confident in her beauty and intelligence, a woman who shines, never truly believed in herself, but gave me and my sister the courage to go out there and grab what is on offer. We have on occasion ourselves struggled with belief but we have hopefully made Mum proud. We both know we are very much loved.
Mum was taken to hospital two weeks ago, with a suspected heart attack-the call that afternoon was a huge shock and the next day myself and Georgina drove the 497 miles to help and support my parents. We weren’t allowed to see her (bloody COVID) but the positive meant she wasn’t in ICU or desperately ill.
Diagnosis was severe aortic stenosis and a valve replacement required, date pending…..This is heartening (no pun intended) as this means she can withstand surgery and it will massively improve her quality of life.
Mum is a little frailer than she was, is having to diminish her dervish traits, accept help and take things a lot easier. This will be so hard for her but will be worthwhile and that we keep her in our lives.
She’s fun, has irreverent humour, glamorous, stubborn and so much more. We all have our idiosyncrasies and life would be less enjoyable, full and challenging without. I will raise a glass tomorrow for Mums, past, present and those to be again, and those in the future. I will celebrate my own motherhood, remembering the mother role models I have had in my life, joy, love, highs, lows, and a whole gamut of emotions and long may they continue. We are all awesome in all our different ways. There is no right or wrong way to mother, just love, support and hugs! We are all special 🤗🤗🤗🤩🤩🤩
Happy Mothering Sunday!
My little life 