Mum
As Mother’s Day approaches, my thoughts drift far away, of sitting on my mother’s knee singing Jerusalem because it was her favourite hymn.
The smell of her perfume seems to follow me around and I think of Saturdays where we would spend the day baking rock cakes and scones.
I remember family holidays all packed inside dad’s van, driving for ages to Somerset, Staffordshire and Dovedale, climbing rock-faces up hills and down dales, over stepping stones trying desperately not to fall in.
I remember going to see chalk figures cut into the earth, and you, mum, grabbing us children and running as fast as you could because we were being chased by cows!
I remember having my own part of the garden and having competition with my dad to see who could grow the biggest sunflower.
I remember sitting on the beach at Southend, and wading through the mud at the Blue Anchor, doing roly poly’s down hills hoping we wouldn’t end up in the thistles.
I remember Sunday nights listening to the Top 40 on the radio, and later songs of praise.
I remember your encouragement when I wanted to learn the guitar, then the recorder, them the piano, then the French horn - all played very loudly and out of tune!
I remember being allowed to sit in the best room when my boyfriend came round, but “don’t shut the door”.
I remember when you brought me a poster with a verse on saying “I Believe in you” when I first got ill, even when you didn’t know what was wrong.
I remember when the mother who cared so much for me became the one being cared for, and the child became mother.
I remember washing and cutting your hair, bathing and turning you so you didn’t get sore.
I remember what a privilege it was that you allowed me to give you that care.
I remember stroking your face and holding your hand while I talked to you about days gone by.
And today 27 years on I remember you, and I will continue to remember you every day of my life.
I remember the love we shared, my mother, my counsellor, my best friend, now and forever, I love you mum.
Treacy