It may seem a little strange to be writing and sharing a personal account about a very personal relationship, however with the way life has been over the past three years, I’ve shared my Mum with others and I hope they will in some way understand why I am thanking her in this way as it seems fitting to share a little of how important she has been and continues to be in my life.
Many friends, many colleagues and even, during the Marathons, Challenges and events, many strangers, have met my Mum and she has entered their lives in the same graceful, caring and thoughtful manner. I have seen the way that she has given support, words of encouragement or just simply listened. The impact has always been positive and I have no doubt that this will continue as new friendships will evolve as my life continues with my family always around me to support me, care for me and believe in me.
My Mum, Angela, and I have always been very close, however I have spent the majority of my adult life away from home and a large proportion has been overseas, so I was away from my family a great deal. It was my mother’s bedside vigil following my surgery in early 2008 that brought us very close together. I do not think that I would have had the strength I have now if it wasn’t for the encouragement, time together and constant understanding that my Mum and my family gave me through a particularly difficult time.
We spoke today on the telephone as I am currently abroad and I could not be there in person to wish my Mum a happy birthday. After reflecting on our conversation, I have yet again realised just how important our relationship is. I rang to wish a Happy Birthday and by the time I had finished the call, she had, without me even knowing at the time, listened, supported, offered words of encouragement and a complete understanding of how I was feeling. I finished the call feeling happier, stronger and calmer in myself and once again my Mum has been a complete rock to me and I am reminded of just how much support I continue to have and how lucky I am to have such a special Mum.
I found this poem, “Without You”, written by Joanna Fuchs and I think it sums up perfectly what I am trying to say about my Mum;
Without You
Mom, without you, there would be no me.
Your love, your attention, your guidance,
have made me who I am.
Without you, I would be lost,
wandering aimlessly,
without direction or purpose.
You showed me the way
to serve, to accomplish, to persevere.
Without you, there would be an empty space
I could never fill, no matter how I tried.
Instead, because of you,
I have joy, contentment, satisfaction and peace.
Thank you, mom.
I have always loved you
and I always will.
So, to my friends, my colleagues and to those that have met my Mum, perhaps when you read this, you’ll raise a glass and wish my Mum a very happy birthday. She is very special person to my family and my friends and especially to my sister, Lesley and I. She is a wonderful Mum. Happy Birthday, with my love always. x
Phil
Many friends, many colleagues and even, during the Marathons, Challenges and events, many strangers, have met my Mum and she has entered their lives in the same graceful, caring and thoughtful manner. I have seen the way that she has given support, words of encouragement or just simply listened. The impact has always been positive and I have no doubt that this will continue as new friendships will evolve as my life continues with my family always around me to support me, care for me and believe in me.
My Mum, Angela, and I have always been very close, however I have spent the majority of my adult life away from home and a large proportion has been overseas, so I was away from my family a great deal. It was my mother’s bedside vigil following my surgery in early 2008 that brought us very close together. I do not think that I would have had the strength I have now if it wasn’t for the encouragement, time together and constant understanding that my Mum and my family gave me through a particularly difficult time.We spoke today on the telephone as I am currently abroad and I could not be there in person to wish my Mum a happy birthday. After reflecting on our conversation, I have yet again realised just how important our relationship is. I rang to wish a Happy Birthday and by the time I had finished the call, she had, without me even knowing at the time, listened, supported, offered words of encouragement and a complete understanding of how I was feeling. I finished the call feeling happier, stronger and calmer in myself and once again my Mum has been a complete rock to me and I am reminded of just how much support I continue to have and how lucky I am to have such a special Mum.
I found this poem, “Without You”, written by Joanna Fuchs and I think it sums up perfectly what I am trying to say about my Mum;
Without You
Mom, without you, there would be no me.
Your love, your attention, your guidance,
have made me who I am.
Without you, I would be lost,
wandering aimlessly,
without direction or purpose.
You showed me the way
to serve, to accomplish, to persevere.
Without you, there would be an empty space
I could never fill, no matter how I tried.
Instead, because of you,
I have joy, contentment, satisfaction and peace.
Thank you, mom.
I have always loved you
and I always will.
So, to my friends, my colleagues and to those that have met my Mum, perhaps when you read this, you’ll raise a glass and wish my Mum a very happy birthday. She is very special person to my family and my friends and especially to my sister, Lesley and I. She is a wonderful Mum. Happy Birthday, with my love always. x
Phil