My beautiful mum...

Mothers Day is still a little bit raw and painful for me. This is only my second Mothers Day without mum and I am still getting used to it.

I was there when she took her last breath - we all were. I remember feeling guilty for all the things I never said or did for her. I felt disappointed that I couldn't stop the pain she suffered, and the loss of dignity she went through in her final years. I was also happy that she was finally at peace,and her loss makes me want to believe there is a Heaven.

I have been reflecting on her life and my love for her this week, trying to work out what I will leave for her at the cemetery on Sunday.

My mum was beautiful. She was probably the most unselfish person I ever knew. I try to be a lot like her, but she was far kinder and full of an almost child like innocense.

Mum loved us. There was never any doubt. She had very little money, but she was always great at making things. She could pretty much sew anything! she loved to bake, she loved to garden, and she really loved her sport!

Mum was a champion long distance runner and hurdler. She represented Western Australia in athletics and softball. She loved East Fremantle and The Fremantle Dockers.

We were forever making trips to the convent near our house, as we were growing up in Palmyra. There were lemons, eggs and home grown vegetables to take up to the nuns, or flowers for the church. If mum could help anybody, other than herself, she did.

Until the day she died, mum was deeply religious. She had two religions actually…God and football! most people would argue she loved both equally. She had an amazing, yet dry, sense of humour, that helped her to endure some pretty tough times.

Most of all, mum loved Tom. I know he carries a lot of her spirit with him and I see her every day in his eyes.

Mum was pretty sick and frail when this picture was taken. She had survived a massive heart attack and several strokes. There was much damage to her brain, and sadly she suffered dementia. Her personality was no longer the mum we knew, but during her moments of lucidity, she always made us smile.

Mum LOVED to run, so it was sad she could barely walk in her final years. I hope she is running in Heaven.

May God Bless you and keep you safe mum xxxxx