mother's day
My family
What an amazing role it is to be a mother. It can be challenging, uplifting, heart-warming and at times it can be heart-breaking. No matter if we struggle with our mothers or adore them completely, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to stop and reflect upon their role in our lives, whether they are still with us in person or spirit.
The celebration of Mother's Day has the potential to be an expression of joy and gratitude for a very special person.
You may also wish to acknowledge a surrogate mother or second mother you may have (aunty, neighbour etc) or a woman, who for her own reasons may not have been able to have children, yet who mother us in ways that nurture and support us. I encourage you to take time to remember these beautiful women in your life as well for the ‘mother’ they are to you.
If your mum has passed away then take the time to write a simple letter, or create a special remembrance table, or express to someone else what you loved about them. Find a way that you can honour their presence in your life.
gift ideas for mother's day
- Organise a walk (according to her level of fitness) along the beach, in a park, a nature reserve... and take a picnic of special foods that you have prepared. Or you could organise a lunch at a cafe on the way. Organise it all so she just has to turn up and enjoy.
- Create a book of coupons: a handmade set of redeemable coupons personalised for your mum. For example: this voucher entitles the bearer (mum) to two hours of house cleaning, to a foot massage, to a three course home cooked meal, to a weekend of dog sitting... think of what she would really appreciate and turn the action into a coupon that she can redeem at any time! You may have to encourage her to use them!
- Take the time to acknowledge your mum by writing her a 'love letter'. Often we wait until people have died before acknoweldge all that we appreciated about them. I have chosen to write both my mum and dad a comprehensive 'love letter' thanking them for all the gifts they have given to me. We have had our challenges and our disagreements; the letter however focuses on the positive aspects of our relationship.
a love letter for my mom
I chose to read this letter out to my mum before giving it to her. If you do this, make sure the timing is right (she is not in a rush to go out or has an appointment to go to.) Allow plenty of time for you both to savour the moment and the gift of gratitude. Print (either by hand or by printer) a lovely copy to give her so she can enjoy reading it again later.
My love letter to my mum (who has had many lives after being a cancer survivor and other life threatening illnesses) This photo of my mum is one of my favourites as it encaptures her youthful spirit ... always willing to say yes! The other photo is of my family... she loves all of her children (four daughters) and their partners and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. One thing that kept her alive during her bouts with cancer was that she had to finish all of their quilts… she couldn’t leave just yet! When she finished those first quilts… she started on a second one for them all.
To my mum, Barbara,
Thank you for your generosity and enthusiasm in all that you do. Your passion for living, for family and friends, for the adventures and for creating a family home the draws and welcomes us all in.
I deeply appreciate your patience, tolerance and acceptance of what is and also your fight to change what you could.
Thank you for offering me the very best that you could, for loving and accepting me... no matter what. For inspiring and encouraging me to improve and be a better person.
Thank you for sharing your amazing courage, strength, vulnerability, and insights... and your organisational skills!
I am deeply grateful for your gentle heart and support and for embracing each and everyone of us. You have held us all over many years through many joys and struggles. Thank you for being a great mum, grandma and great grandma.
love your daughter, Wendy xxx
Do you have any ideas you could add here … or would you like to see your love letter published to your mum. If so, please
email me.
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