Day 112: Mother's Day Diamonds

First Mother's Day 2003, Bronte Park

Fourteen years ago today Robbie bought me my first mother's day gift on behalf of my beautiful new born James - a pair of stunning diamond earrings. They are in the same design of my wedding ring- French art deco with a mill-grain edge. I was so touched then, and they remain very precious. I've been saving them up to wear on Mother's Day and loved the chance to put them on.



I've been completely spoilt again today by my boys: breakfast in bed, a gorgeous card and some wonderful gifts including the new novel 'Anything's Possible' (seems appropriate!) by one of my favourite novelists, Elizabeth Strout, first introduced to me by Pauline via the brilliant 'Olive Kitteredge'. I'm now also in possession of the most comfortable LLL sweat pants ever - and a fun and fabulous 'Manuel the Owl' T-shirt, joining the boys in their Mulga The Artist obsession.

After a nice lie in watching the Insiders, I made it out for a walk with the boys, then for a delicious Vietnamese lunch in Newtown. The salty/vinegar/ punchy flavours worked so well, when everything else is a mix of sand and cardboard. All the excitement wiped me out for the afternoon to the extent that I couldn't find any words for my skype with Fiona in Edinburgh;  it's postponed for another day. We all sat down and watched the film 'Lion' this evening - a very appropriate movie for today given it's subject matter- tears were shed!  I've received countless wonderful messages today including a lovely one that arrived this afternoon from Dr Kath, wishing me a happy mother's day, spurring me on to the finish line and remembering Mum. I'm feeling so blessed.

The challenging teenager stage (Maddie pls note the jeans!)

Of course like everyone else, I've been reflecting on my precious Mum today. Rather than be too sad about what is missing with her not here, I've been thinking about everything she gave her children and how she's living on through all of us and our beautiful kids, her grandchildren. Brother Paul wrote a poem for today that captures Mum's love just perfectly. One thing that hit me today was how constant Mum was as we moved through all our phases, from young kids, to challenging teenagers to fully grown adults and parents ourselves. Juggling five must be no mean feat, but she gave to all of us equally, steadily, non-judgementally and with boundless love.

Another amazing Mum in my life is the wonderful Betty, my mother-in-law. She also raised five children magnificently, and has shown endless love and devotion not only to them but to me and her other fortunate children-in-law. She's the most wonderful Grandmother to her precious grandchildren. I love her dearly.





















On Day 112 the aches and pains continue, but not quite as bad as yesterday. My mouth is revolting, the tiredness seems bottomless but I feel like I'm inching towards the light. Another week begins.