When I was a little girl I won a competition in the local paper writing a Mother's Day poem for my mum. I won a £2 postal order. Somewhere I've still got that faded, yellow paper clipping from 1977. My Mum was very proud of me and I remember feeling so happy that she liked my poem.
Today, I still feel that childish sense of happiness when my Mum is proud of me. When she comments on my blog and tells me that she likes what I am doing I feel that acceptance and validation that I sought as a small child.
It is this knowledge that makes me so aware of the importance of letting my children know how incredibly proud of them I am. It's not difficult for me to tell them how wonderful they are. I feel honoured to be their mum. On Mother's Day it is a time for me to reflect on my role and celebrate the fact that I am blessed with these five children who have made me who I am today. They define me.
My two eldest children couldn't be with me in person, but both sent me messages that moved me to tears. Even though they are grown-up, they are still as connected to me as they ever were. My youngest three have been a source of delight. From our early morning walk to the local Farmer's Market, where we bought delicious cupcakes from Cookes Cakes and wonderful vegetarian roasts (Staffordshire Cheese & Leek, and Carrot & Sweet Potato) for tonight's dinner, to being serenaded by Ella with a song she had written for me...it's been a lovely day.
Cookie Dough, Raspberry Ripple, Raspberry and Lemon and Chocolate Fudge...YUM! |
I count my blessings everyday that my life has turned out how it has. I hope Mothers everywhere have felt as contented as I have today.