Mother’s Day is a time for celebrating a person in our lives whom most of us adore – our mum.

Like other meaningful holidays in the year, Mother’s Day is one where families get together and spend valuable time catching up with loved ones - with a special focus on our mothers:

• It’s a day of appreciation for the many things that our mothers do for us, and the support and love that they have given us over the years.
• It’s about honouring the mother of the family, and the influence she has in her family, on the community and society overall.

And whilst time comes and goes, the celebration of our mothers continues to be at the cornerstone of what is now called “Mother’s Day.” 

My mum is almost 90 and I dread the day when she goes, because she has been an amazingly supportive and caring mother. My rock. No matter what was going on in my life, she was one I could always count on. And still do.

Many of my friends that I grew up with did not have the same gift of a supportive mother, and I am sure some of the readers of this article may have a similar experience. My best childhood friend had a combative relationship with her mother, so my mum became hers.  And she still is.

Should we celebrate all mothers on this day?

I would like to say a single ‘yes’ to this question. But it’s not that easy.

Many families go through trauma, with some members not talking to each other for long periods of time. What a waste this is. It would be comforting to think that when we argue with our mother, we do what we can to overcome it together. Alas, this is not always possible and with this situation present, the relationships between you and your mum sours – and often other family members get drawn into this drama – and the family disintegrates further.

For Mother’s Day this year, if you do celebrate your mum and cannot be with her, Facebook or WhatsApp her. Pick up the phone. Spend precious time catching up on the latest news and celebrating achievements. Remember that the quality of spending time together with our mum is what counts, not the gifts that we each may bring to the celebration.

If possible, value your mum for:

• Her guidance and wisdom
• Her care and love for you all the time
• The wonderful gifts and love she brings to the family
• Providing for us, no matter what age we are
• Always being there for you and your children
• The unique and special person that she is.

Don’t just celebrate Mother’s Day on this one day. Work on your relationship with your mum (if you can) by being there for her in her later years, valuing your relationship and the things you do together, the laughter you enjoy and how you spend your time with each other.

Nothing In this life is predictable and we all know it. Spend each moment you can honouring your mum. And valuing you as a mother, too.

Happy Mother’s Day!