Submission 32
Mum,
If I could tell you anything
If I could tell you anything I would tell you how much I loved your kung pow chicken recipe,
That I loved your lack of speed in articulate despite a timer and shouting team mates,
I loved how much pride you took in your garden.
I loved that you put notes in my lunch box when I was in primary school (much to my utter embarrassment at the time).
I loved how much you treasured not only your own friends but my friends too.
I loved your ability to make a delicious dish from empty cupboards.
I loved how you never wasted any food and with that the mysterious looking plastic tubs of curry in the freezer.
I loved your ridiculous dancing at parties,
I loved your silly northern accent,
I loved that you never told 15 year old me my eyeliner was too heavy, even when it definitely was.
I loved your generosity and how you gave all even when you had little to give.
I loved your Sunday gravy,
I loved your travel stories,
I loved your affection and acceptance of others.
I love that you always brought me flowers when you came to stay.
I loved the night we ate black squid ink pasta and couldn’t breathe from laughter at our black teeth.
I love how many people’s lives you would have helped in your career as a midwife.
I loved how much you loved walking and pub lunches with friends and family,
I loved (and hated) how much better you were at a spinning class than me.
I loved that our home was always filled with music,
I love that you sent me funny cards in the post for no reason.
I loved that you always ordered a glass of tap water with your wine but never drank it.
I loved how much you loved to watch me perform.
I loved that you couldn’t remember the lyrics to any song.
I loved that you would always tell me when my nose was shiny and needed a powder.
I loved that you never doubted me,
I loved that you would sing our praises to the world,
I loved how much love you had to give, a love that never diluted even when the water got dark and murky.
A love that still exists.
Thank you for your imprint on our hearts,
Thank you for our qualities and for our flaws,
Thank you for all you taught us,
You are us and we are you.
That was always enough, I hope deep down you knew that in your heart.
Thank you for being our Mum.