Lessons From My Mumsie
As Mother’s Day approaches I sit and reflect about my dear mother or “Mumsie” as I like to call her. My mum means many things to me and I know to many others as well. She is immediately likeable. She is friendly, caring, a wonderful listener — you know the type who really listens and doesn’t just listen so they can speak? She is empathetic, she is wise and so silly. One thing she is NOT is boring. She will sit and laugh at herself in hysterics for quite some time, so much so that it is contagious.
I have known my mum for 45 years, that is since I was born on that fateful day that was November 28, 1975. She told me that I was the only one of her children who were actually planned. I have three siblings who are much older than me and luckily paved the way for a much easier ride! I’m not quite sure how my mum managed to have four children, be a full time mother and dedicated wife to her husband for more than 50 years! However, she did and she did it with grace. She never complained, she never gave up and she gave it her all every day.
I know that life wasn’t always easy because that is not possible for anyone. There were some rough times over the years, some big ups and downs but she weathered the storms and always came out stronger on the other end. As I was the only child left at home by the time I was 6 years old, mum and I became good friends. She always made sure that I was happy, that I had all that I needed, that I was healthy and that I had fun. She is the type of person who puts herself last to ensure those around her are thriving. She does this out of true love and compassion. Helping others feeds her soul.
So what has my mother taught me over these past 45 years? She has taught me all that she is through example on a daily basis. How to treat others with kindness, how to listen meaningfully to those that we care for, how to love deeply with every inch of your heart. That life is worth living no matter how hard it gets, it is beautiful and worth the effort. That family is what truly matters at the end of the day, they will always be there for you to hold you up when you so desperately need it. That you can share your deepest, darkest secrets with your mother and she will not judge you. She loves you just as you are no matter what your faults.
There have been times we do not see eye to eye but we can still discuss with calm and rational minds because she taught me how to do that. She is open and aware of her beliefs and continues to expand her mind through listening to others opinions, reading books or listening to podcasts. I can only hope that at 83 years old I will be as open minded as she is! She doesn’t always see how bright she is because being “smart” has often been defined by education, career or achievements. She doesn’t require letters after her name or some big fancy title because she is more wise than many you will ever encounter. She has emotional intelligence and intuition, things that are much more difficult to acquire. They don’t even teach these critical life skills in school, one learns through the trials and tribulations of life.
I feel incredibly lucky to have this particular mother in my life. The one who has made me who I am today. I am quite certain that I would not be in this beautiful place that I live, with an incredibly loving man, two gorgeous and thriving children, a crazy and energetic dog, many wonderful and dear friends and a successful career without having my mum lead the way for me. What she has taught me is too grand to describe really because it is EVERYTHING that I am and will become.
Thank you mumsie. I love you. xxx
