Today, International Women’s Day, is when people across the world celebrate powerful female role models, and it seemed most fitting to share a tribute of my own. To the woman who made me in great part the person I am today, these are the words I prepared for my mum’s thanksgiving service almost 5 months ago.
Mum held together many surprising contradictions. A believer of ghosts and haunted houses alongside an unwavering belief in the power of faith and prayer.
She had a growing collection of degrees and qualifications, but was somehow unable to find her way back to the car on a Sunday morning.
A fiercely passionate woman who spoke her mind, even more so with a glass of wine in hand. Yet also humbled by the words in a great classic novel.
She was a testament to the idea that no one career or illness need define you.
Despite her notoriously bad sense of direction, she had a way of inspiring and navigating others well through life.
Mum would say, ‘I’m nothing special’. ‘Its not about me’. She was baffled by the impression she left on others, unaware of her ability to connect at an extraordinary level with those around her.
In some way or another, she has left her imprint on all of us.
She was in tune with people. She had a way of feeling their pain and sadness, their internal struggles, their potential. All of this making that unexpected phone call, that thoughtful card or unannounced visit come at a time they needed it most. Even in her hospital bed she was asking after friends and family, taking note of those she should extend some extra attention to.
Mum took on so many different roles. To me she was mother, teacher, student, friend, coach and counsellor and the list could go on.
She would often joke ‘you’ll miss me when I’m gone’. And nothing could feel more true.
For the wisdom you shared, for the strength you passed on, for the memories we will cherish, I have only one prayer.
May you still guide us now you’re gone, mum, may you still guide me now you’re gone.
Rx
Dutchblend 