Happy Mother's Day

Every year I see articles in magazines around Mother's Day asking various people to describe their mothers.  I am in no way an interesting or famous enough person to be printed in the YOU supplement of The Sunday Mail but I still wanted to pen a few words about my special Mum this year.

" Numerous words could be used to describe my mother, Madeleine, but if I had to choose one it would be 'selfless'. 

I have yet to meet anyone else in my life who is more generous with their time, giving in their support or keen to help and improve.  I doubt I ever will.

My Mum will never say no; only offer suggestions to help.  And she will never take no for an answer; not resting until she has found a solution or better way.

People say you can only become selfless when you become a mother and experience a love greater than for yourself.  But I think my Mum is more special than that because her love spreads beyond my sister and I to friends, young students and relatives.  Her love for her father is heart-warming, her care for her mother-in-law is stoic and bewildering and her support of her husband is strong and inspiring.  Seeing the way she is with my Dad, especially over the last year or two, has shown me what true love and marriage can be.

In short, I am in awe of my Mum.  I have probably never told her properly and I fear that I am one of the many recipients who have flourished under her love without giving a tenth of it back in return.

Many women baulk at the cliched thought that "they are becoming like their mothers."  But if I can mature with a small percentage of her compassion, strength and beauty (Oil of Olay all the way!) then I will be a very lucky woman.

Happy Mother's Day Mum.  I love you.