Sunday May 11th is Mother’s Day, and to honour my amazing mother, I’ve decided to feature her in my Top 10 Fun Facts series.
I am reminded in some way, every day, how very lucky I am to still have my mum around. She is 81 years young, and despite dealing with many severe health issues, she still enjoys life in every way she can. She is a true inspiration to me. She never complains about her daily struggles, instead she chooses to focus on the things that make her happy: like spending time with family, and joining in on all the activities at the retirement home.
Growing up, my mum was an amazing mum to me. She took care of me, supported me, kept me safe, played with me, spoiled me, rescued me from some bullies, and ALWAYS made me feel so very loved.
So here’s to a very Happy Mother’s Day to my special mum…and to all the special mother’s out there! Enjoy your day!
Top 10 Fun Facts About My Mum
1. My mum is a very talented artist. She discovered she could paint back in the 1980’s in Toronto, and produced at least 30 masterpieces over the years. Talent runs in her genes. Her cousin is famous Canadian “ghost painter” James Lumbers.
2. My mum spent 5 years taking a cocktail of medications for Parkinson’s Disease. Turns out – she was misdiagnosed. She never had Parkinson’s Disease.
3. My mum spent those 5 years (and many more) volunteering for the Parkinson’s Society. She worked tirelessly for her local chapter, and ended up becoming the Vice-President of the chapter. She was awarded a national award for her service to the Parkinson’s Society.
4. My mum quit smoking, cold turkey, in her 40’s. She had been smoking over a pack a day before quitting. I’m certain this inspirational act is responsible for giving me many more years to spend with her.
5. My mum has a fantastic sense of humour…with just a touch of naughty! Attending a family dinner at my parents’ place often meant you would get to see my mum’s special apron she would wear while serving drinks. The front of the apron looked like a pair of men’s short. The fly would open up, and inside you would find a…..bottle opener. She made many people laugh with that apron. Then there was the fart machine…
6. My mum is one of those friends you can always count on. She would do anything to help a friend in need: bring dinner to a sick friend, drive friends anywhere they needed to go, spend time learning about a disease or problem that a friend is dealing with to get a better understanding of what they were going through – this list is endless.
7. My mum spent countless days at hospital with me as a child as I battled problems related to my disability. She stayed by my side and was my biggest protector and advocate.
8. My mum was such a “cool” mum when I was a teenager. When I got sick and couldn’t attend a long-awaited Culture Club concert with my cousin, my mum immediately volunteered to go. So..my mum got to see that Karma Chameleon himself, Boy George, in concert, and I missed out.
9. My mum indulged my silly teenage crush by painting me a picture of my crush, John Taylor of Duran Duran. I adored that painting.
10. My mum supported every crazy thing I did as a teenager. She let me spike my hair and dye it all kinds of colours, she let me wear whatever crazy 80’s New Wave/Punk fashion I wanted to, and she let me play (repeatedly) all that 80’s music that probably drove her nuts – yet she never complained once.
One more thing about my mum. All her life she has been told by numerous people that she looks like Queen Elizabeth. I totally agree. Except I think she is more beautiful. What do you think?
Thanks, Mum, for all you’ve ever done for me, from cutting happy faces in my bologna, to playing card games and board games with me night after night, to taking me on many fun shopping trips, to always being there for me – no matter what I did, or how I treated you, or let you down.
Happy Mother’s Day Mum! I love you with all my heart! You are a one-in-a-million Mum!
To my readers: What would be on your Top 10 List about YOUR mum? Please share at least one thing with me…I’d love to know!
***EDIT*** Mum passed away in hospital 3 weeks after falling and breaking her hip in the fall of 2016. I miss her more and more every day.
My thoughts are with my special friends, Paula and Natalie, who both lost their moms this past year. Reading your posts over the last few months has inspired me to write this one. Thank you xoxo.
