Happy Mother’s Day!

My father always advocated that Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day for that matter too) was a day for the shopkeepers. I thought this was a bit of an excuse when I was growing up but in some respects, now that I’m older, I agree. After all, the essence of this day is to honour all those special mothers in our lives who have given us so much, which could simply be giving them a card and/or making breakfast/lunch or dinner for them.

But this year, it’s different. This year we have covid-19. This year we have been in lockdown (are still in lockdown). This year, our local small businesses have been doing it tough. So, this Mother’s Day is a way to help support them by shopping for a gift – big or small…

Over the years, I tended to forget about Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day for that matter) – not intentionally you understand. It’s just that my mum died 10-and-a-bit-years ago and dad almost 26 years ago, so for me it had lost some of its significance – until Johnny was born.

For years, I yearned to be a mum and my husband and I went through many rollercoaster moments of hope and then heartbreaking moments of miscarriage.

I always remember a close friend saying before I was pregnant with Johnny, it can seem hard to comprehend a mother’s love until you experience it. And, this is indeed true. Now, I understand. I love Johnny so much I will do everything in my power to protect, cherish and encourage him to go for his dreams. Sure, there are the ups and downs but watching your little person develop into a beautiful adult will be one of the most rewarding things you can do in your life.

Being a mother is one of life’s precious experiences that you will cherish forever. And my heart goes out to all those who have struggled to have a child, those who have tragically lost a child or those who have lost their mother. I see you and I embrace you with a virtual hug.

So, to all of you who are mums, step mums, fur mums, not yet mums or those who have lost their mums, Happy Mother’s Day. May you be honoured in your own special way by your loved ones.

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