Mothering Sunday March 19th 2023

Dear Mum,

We saw deer in the field today and thought of you.
That day was suddenly so clear in our minds, the way you held your breath as the tiny fawn was inching its way to Hubby’s outstretched hand, so close, you were afraid to move in case you spoilt the moment. Then those two silly women turned up, totally oblivious to the miracle about to happen between man and beast, chattering loudly, and slamming the gate to the enclosure. Your disappointment and Hubby’s annoyance were on equal levels, but it was still a lovely day.

We see the hay bales in the fields and think of you watching the ‘doughnut machine’.
Like a child you stood with your hands behind your back, totally enthralled by the goings on in the field opposite as the machine spat its doughnuts out of the rear end.

We see storage boxes on top of car roofs and think of you calling them ‘boats’ when we played I spy in the car to alleviate the boredom of the journey. The fact that we were in our fifties and you were in your late eighties is irrelevant.
We would see rabbits on the roadside, but you always seemed to miss them, so Hubby said they would be wearing their fluorescent vests next time you visited.
The day the Awacs aeroplane flew over the cottage and we told you it was the welcoming committee and you could wave if you wanted. You did, and how we all laughed. Such a happy memory.
Bluebells, daffodils and nuts in the woods on our walks with the dog. You loved Maggie and she loved you, so maybe she is near by, Barney too, and all the other family pets.
I wonder what you would make of Maya? She’s a big softie and hasn’t got an aggressive bone in her body.
Cream cakes, chicken burgers with mayonnaise, your experience of Chinese food at an ‘all you could eat’ buffet, where you sampled so many different things, a spoonful of this, that and the other, going back for seconds of those you liked.

I am thinking now of the Mother’s Day outing to the local carvery so many years ago. You looked at the yorkshire puddings and declined the chef’s offer as they were too big and you knew you wouldn’t be able to eat a whole one. He went out the back and brought a small one through just for you, and you went very pink when you thanked him.  The meal was delicious, and for dessert, the usual ice cream sundae with all the trimmings.

So many happy memories Mum, but we don’t need a specific day to think of you.
I see you every morning when I look in the mirror, and feel you every day in my heart.

It was Dad’s birthday this past week and we lit a candle for him, as we will for you this Mother’s Day.
Give Dad a kiss from me. I love and miss you both.

xxx
 

 

 

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