The true meaning of Mother’s Day

Don’t convert to the generic, gift or card giving stereotype; instead simply spend time with your mum and let her know what role she plays in your life this Mother’s Day, says Daniel Sheridan.

I don’t want this to be a pity blog post. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me or have sympathy, I just want to speak about a subject that I often neglect and find hard to talk about.

I lost my Mum when I was eleven years old. She was the closest person to me in my life and it literally turned my world upside down. Not a single day goes by that I don’t think about her, what she would be doing, how she would feel about my life and how I have changed.

I’ve gone through every possible emotion about this situation since 2005. Anger, pain, questioning and grief. In spite of this emotional turbulence, I believe that the effect that she had on my life and continues to have is evident every single day. She was strong, independent and the rock in my life.

In the last 14 years, I have developed both physically and mentally to a point where I am very proud of what I have achieved. Despite not being religious or having beliefs in God, I think that my Mum’s guidance within my life is her presence in the back of my head – the constant reminder and justification of what she would have done. I’m lucky to have an incredible family, and a supportive Dad and step-mum – who have both been so essential in the last few years.

Without reiterating my earlier point, I don’t want sympathy. Instead, I just want to explain what has happened in my life and how this might have some impact on how you spend Mother’s Day this year.

The act of celebrating Mother’s Day began in the early 1900s. Generations of families have celebrated this event globally, and it continues to be a special day for women around the world. Despite the day having roots in the church and religious beliefs, I believe that the celebrations can be translated into whichever way fit to your own life. Don’t convert to the generic, gift or card giving stereotype; instead simply spend time with your mum and let her know what role she plays in your life.

Mother’s Day is particularly difficult for me, but I believe these sorts of days are essential in reminding everyone how lucky they are; driving home how quickly everything can change. Whatever happens, make sure that you spend at least a little of your time with your mum, and remind her how much she means to your life. If distance prevents this, then pick up the phone and speak to her; dedicate some time to showing her how much you appreciate everything she does.

Lives can be turned upside down in an instant, and you should cherish every minute you get to spend with family. You never know when it could all change.