Mother’s Day Reflections

Apr 12

‘When I find myself in times of trouble’

Being raised amidst the worst of ’The Troubles” in Northern Ireland could have defined our childhood, but it didn’t. We were brought up in a loving, if often chaotic, home filled to overflowing with five brothers, four sisters, a dog, a cat or two, a goose (that’s another story) and Daddy, the big man who provided for us and protected us. Above all though was the constant, reassuring presence of our ‘Mother Mary’.

Mummy was the quiet strength, the disciplinarian, the maker of meals, the spiritual guide, the make-do and mender, the model we based our own lives on. They say with Alzheimer's you lose your loved ones twice but we don’t see it that way. We had the very best for a very long time for which we are ever grateful.

Remembering Mum - Teresa

The alarm goes off, the news blares out on Radio Ulster. ‘Your breakfast’s ready and the bus will be here soon. He won’t wait”. Mummy scuttles around the bedrooms dragging reluctant boys out of their beds while the girls obediently get dressed.

Chaos reigns for half an hour every school morning. Still munching toast we make the bus by the skin of our teeth. For Mum, there are nappies to change, baby to feed, Dad to get out to work, beds to make, clothes to wash, floors to mop, errands to run.

By the time we get back from school, all at our different times, the house is spick and span. Without fail, the first words out of each of our mouths on entering the house: ‘Where’s Mummy?’ As soon as we locate her all is right with the world, and we are at home.

Remembering Mum - Anne Marie

Ok. Ok. Ok.

That’s what mummy used to say. It started many years ago not long after our dad died, and we would hear her quietly say this to herself. Maybe it was the early onset of Alzheimer’s or maybe she was trying to comfort herself, or maybe both. But it is one of the most loving and enduring memories I have of her.

Now many years on, mummy too has gone. She was the most gentle woman who lived a full life that demanded courage and resilience.

Alzheimer’s can rob a person of just about everything but not their heart, not their love, not their soul. Up until the time she could speak no more, she would look straight into our eyes and say ‘OK’. Even in the confusion that was her mind, it was still her way to comfort us and herself.

Now, amid a world that has been turned upside down, I find myself thousands of miles away from family having sheltered in place for months on end. When I feel anxious or overwhelmed with the challenges of life, I try to find a sense of peace. That’s when I think about whose daughter I am, and I tell myself I’m Ok.

I love you mum.

Reflections of a Mother - Collette

I came to motherhood quite late in life; parenting was perhaps not meant to be, but along came Shauna and then her brother Chris. Being a mum is an emotional rollercoaster.

I loved their childhood mischief and laughter, marvelled at the speed they learned things and was exhausted by their boundless energy. If I could, I would have taken their pain away when they were ill or fought their corner when they felt the world was against them. But they need to find their own way.

All too soon, they flew the nest, but the funny thing is, I’m reliving the same emotions through the next generation - you never stop being a mum.

Reflections of a Grandmother - Lucia

Becoming a grandmother to three beautiful children is one of life’s blessing, for which I am truly grateful.

They have made me a better person, more patient and appreciative of the simple things. It’s a joy to see the world through their little eyes and they have enriched my life beyond measure.

I love their hugs and kisses, their laughter and endless energy, their innocence, imagination and their stories.

To hear them shout ‘Hello Nanny’ warms me within. Their little gift of a dandelion and an ‘I love you’ just makes my day.

I miss them when I don’t see them, even if it’s just one day.

GRÁ MÁTHAIR – A Mother’s Love

When you grow up in rural Ireland at the time we did, there are two things that stay with you forever – the warmth of the turf fire on the chilly, rainy days, and candlelight.

We created our Baileo candles to remind us of the scents of home, scents that calm, restore and uplift us. Anyone who has been to Ireland will recognize them: Fireside, Soft Rain and Atlantic Mist. We also created a beautifully scented candle in memory of our mother and to honor mothers everywhere. It’s called Grá Máthair (Irish for a mother’s love).

A light in the best and worst of times

Candles have always been a universal symbol of unity, hope, peace and comfort. We celebrate life’s milestones with candles – our baptisms, birthdays, and even falling in love and getting married. Sometimes we light a candle when we need help, hoping that whatever our faith our prayer will be answered.

Candles are indeed used in all manner of ceremonies across the world. Perhaps the most profound is when we say goodbye to someone we have loved and lost. That’s why you’ll always find candles at Irish wakes – helping to light the way ahead for the person who has passed away. In the days and years that follow, we light candles to remember. It’s a simple ritual that helps us to be still, to think about the people who have influenced our lives and be thankful for the time we had together.