As kids, it was seen as an important day and was all about spoiling our mum, and making her feel special.
Our dad would give us some cash to spend at the Mother’s Day stall at school, and we’d often come back with a collection of World’s Best Mum paraphernalia, which would include bath bombs, soaps, candles, mugs and so forth.
In the morning, Dad would wake us up early, and we’d prepare a big breakfast for Mum where she would open our gifts.
Sometimes we’d go to church, go on a bike ride, have a picnic, travel out of town for the day.
Every year we did something different to celebrate Mum.
Mother’s Day looks a bit different these days for our family.
We still celebrate it, to recognise the amazing mum we have, but as life has happened and me and my brothers have grown, I think we’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the day than we had as kids.
Just over two years ago, my father died. He passed after what was a long battle with bowel cancer.
Finding the words to describe the pain our family went through is difficult.
The ongoing battle with the disease, the six months leading up to his death where we knew nothing could be done and then eventually his death and the grief that came after was mentally exhausting.
There is no easy way to grieve the loss of your dad ... but for my mum, I couldn’t imagine.
Not only had she lost her life partner, but she had to live with the trauma and grief that comes with caring for someone suffering from a terminal illness.
Throughout my life, my dad’s health had never been perfect, and my mum always made things work, sticking by him and our family through whatever came our way.
This was an entirely different type of struggle.
Despite it being one of the most devastating and traumatising parts of her life, she was still there for us, being the wonderful supporting mother she is.
I don’t know how she did it and how she continues to do it.
I can only hope that if I ever have kids, I can be the mother she has been to me and my brothers.
Strong, resilient, loving, affectionate and knowing that no matter what happens in life — she always shows up for us.
She has put up with our tantrums, terrible Mother’s Day gifts, us throwing up on her carpet in the middle of the night, spending hours pulling nits out of our hair — the list goes on.
Even with kids in their 20s, she’s still dealing with our crises.
Whether it’s money issues, not knowing how to cook chicken, getting us out of dodgy rental deals or picking us up at a ridiculous time of the morning after having more than a few drinks — she’s always there.
Our mums do so much more for us than we realise, and it’s only when I stop and think about it, that I realise how much she has given me and my brothers.
Mother’s Day is more than just a day to spoil your mum, it’s about recognising her resilience and efforts to unconditionally love us and be there for us no matter what’s happening.
I love you, Mum.
13°C