Dear Mum,
I would describe you as intrepid, adventurous, vivacious, extroverted, ambitious, productive, talented, creative, outspoken, kind, wise and sentimental. A fierce friend.
The absolute duality of your personality is the most fascinating and attractive part of you.
You travel through life at top speed: goal oriented, obliterating any obstacle in your path and standing up unequivocally and vociferously for what you believe in, like an unstoppable force of nature. There is no tentative side to you. Yet this constantly productive, dynamic you merges comfortably with the also generous-hearted, warm, loving and community spirited side of you. The one who cries in the sad part of movies or TV commercials and is forever giving back.
You have always been the best of role models.
Striving, passionate, patient, accessible, fallible and forgiving. You’ve taught me that doing your best is all I can ask of myself and others. With that comes self acceptance and a learning mentality to life. It’s a mindset that thumbs its nose at fearing failure, and encourages risk taking.
You are so inclusive. Always opening your home to host friends, family and neighbours, and so I grew up in a warm house of hospitality, great conversation, laughter, excellent cooking and community.
One of the most productive and involved people I know, you are a joiner, but mostly a leader.
If there was a regional economic development activity, community event, book club or gourmet club you wanted to join but couldn’t find, you’d just kick off your own and then rapidly recruit a close knit band of merry women and men to join your party. You make it look effortless, when it’s not.
You have always been both a working mother and a hands on mother.
Your commitment to both endeavours and achievements have astonished us. You’ve continuously taken on new projects, learned new skills, developed new networks, embraced change. You have improved and contributed your community at a grass roots level by serving 11 years (3 terms) on local city councils, while simultaneously running your own business, serving on the school parents and friends committees and lining up for extra duties like convening whole of school fetes and fundraising, as well as taking on Board director roles. You’ve tirelessly used every hour of every day to follow your passions and it’s awe inspiring to those around you.
You’ve seen those cheesy fridge magnets that say, “if mothers were flowers, I’d pick you”? Well I’d buy you one, but I know it would offend your innate sense of great style. Instead in our pragmatic way I’ve bought you a present you need, and have asked for.
I have thanked you (and Dad) before for the halcyon childhood you provided. It was like living an Enid Blyton novel. Magical, filled with animals, nature, adventure, treats, wonderful holidays, extended family, adoring grandparents and just so much love always.
Our relationship at this stage of our lives couldn’t be any stronger, more intimate and trusting, or supportive.
I know you always have my back, and you should know that I’ll always have yours. I can share anything without judgment and I know you’ll give me wise counsel, cheer my victories and help me dissect, learn from and move on from any failed experiments. Thank you for always showing up, for me, for my daughter (who adores you), for our family. You’re the most dependable person in my life with a heart so big I wonder how it fits inside you.
I’m excited to see you move through this next transition in your life as you shut the doors on the proud family business that has been trading for over 60 years. As usual, you have planned and organised every teeny tiny final detail. I hope you take this time to yoga more, find hidden beaches, read, focus on wellness and discover new friends in far flung places. I’m certain you will be connecting all across Australia with interesting new people and experiences, and I look forward to hearing about this next chapter of your adventures. I know you’ll make it epic.
I love you Mum. Happy Mother’s Day.
Love, Jade xxxxxx
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