MOTHER'S DAY 2013

Today I celebrate Mother's Day on behalf of all mothers around the world, past and present.

Firstly, I want to say thank you to the mother (1910-1996) that gave birth to me way back in 1932 but  who, owing to family pressures and a man who refused to stand by her, was unable to keep me even though she wanted to.  Her father said she "must have me and forget me" and her lover refused to pay her the maintenance the court said he should pay.  I am saddened that she had no more children as I have been told she really loved children but I am also gladdened that in her 30s she met a wonderful man with whom she spent many happy years.  I am happy that she and I became friends via the telephone for several years before she died.  I have always regretted not being able to meet her and give her a hug, but we must be prepared to accept what life decides to deal out to us.

Secondly, I need to say a heartfelt thanks to my mother (1897-1985) who, with her husband, adopted me when I was a wee baby and who bought me up to believe in honesty, truthfulness and unselfishness.  Who went without when things were tight and yet saw to it that I had an excellent education and never made me feel we were not well off.  Fortunately she and dad eventually made good and, although we were never rich, we had a good life and my years at home until I was 21 (when I left home to be married) were wonderful years.  She was always there for me throughout my life and was a loving grandmother to my two children.  She went on later in her life to help others and I was so proud when she was awarded the MBE for her work in the community.  We miss her still even though it nearly 30 years since she left this mortal coil.

I also want to say Happy Mother's Day and a huge thank you to my daughter who was and is such a wonderful mum to her 4 children and is a fantastic grandmother to her 3 granddaughters.  You have guided your family through thick and thin and have always been there for them and for me too.  You did and still do a great job.

As a mother to her daughter I need to say thank you....just for being who you are. xx

I need too to say thank you and Happy Mother's Day to my daughter-in-law although she won't see this.  She has quietly kept in touch with me via email over the past 11+ years since my son decided to cease all contact with us.  It is through her that I have news of that other family of mine and photos of their children as they have grown up into their twenties.  Without her I would have lost them completely.  Thank you Di.