A Letter to my Mum

“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” (Author unknown)

Dear Mum,

I came across this quote recently and it really struck a chord because I don’t know what I’d do without you.  If you were a book, you’d be worn and battered, in a good way, pages folded and annotations at the side.  You’re my manual for so many things.  When I don’t know what to do, I often think, what would Mum do?

Every mother knows that initial first-baby shock.  I’m talking about when you realise this isn’t the movies and you’ve had two hours of broken sleep all night, you haven’t showered or washed your hair because you haven’t had time, there’s a pile of plates in the kitchen and your post-pregnancy tummy resembles a bowl full of jelly.  I think that was the first time as a grown-up that I realised I admired you.

In a flash, the plates were washed and put away, there was a cup of tea in my hand, a sandwich on the coffee table, a smiling baby Ruby sat on your knee and I’d had a hot bubble bath.  I sat there, completely in awe of your super-powers.

Hugo’s birth and the time after was no different.  There’s something so special about a Mum, because you don’t need words, they’re just there when you need them, comforting and understanding, reassuring and generous with all of their love and kindness.  And this is you.

Many haven’t been through a divorce, but I don’t know what I would have done without you.  I was strong for Ruby, but there were times when Ruby wasn’t there that I was just so grateful for your presence; a friendly face and someone to put the kettle on, to divert the pain.

I want to thank you for all you do, for everyone, not just me.  You’re selfless and attentive to Dad, and although he doesn’t say it, because he can’t get the words right, you are everything to him, because you’re there.

When the telephone rings in the middle of the night and it’s his Mum who’s poorly, your big heart steps up a gear, to make sure she’s okay too.

So this Mother’s Day, I want you to know how grateful I am for all you do and if I had to pick a Mum, I’d definitely pick you.

Love always,