The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]

The Good Walk Amongst Us …

The photo above is of my Mum and Dad,

It was taken back in 1996 … outside the Chateau Restaurant Nottingham, where we were about to go and have a birthday lunch for my Mum.

It is, without doubt, one of my favourite photos.

Sure, there’s better pictures of my parents … sure, that banner behind them looks cheap … sure, the Chateau was hardly the most sophisticated of places … but that photo is special because it represents the last time we went out as a family and shared a meal.

On top of the fact we never really had the cash to go out for dinners except on special occasions – I was living in Australia by then and my Dad had suffered multiple strokes [robbing him of his ability to talk – which was especially cruel for such an articulate, intelligent, conversational man] – however on 3/11/1996, all the stars aligned because we were not only all together, but were feeling well enough to go out.

Anyway, the reason I bring this all up is because tomorrow is my Mum’s 75th birthday.

Yes … 75!

Now I know she’ll hate me for writing this, but I think this is something that should be celebrated – not because of the age she’s reached [though that is a big thing] but because of how she lives life.

You see my Mum has had it pretty tough but you’d never know that if you met her.

I know there are millions of people out there who have had – and continue to have – a hard life, however that doesn’t negate the fact my Mum has faced some unbelievable hardships and challenges yet continues to embrace life with all the hope, happiness, excitement and positivity of someone much younger and more privileged.

Whereas many ‘elderly’ people [sorry Mum, but you do qualify for that description, even if you don’t live by it] live their life as if it was 50 years ago … my Mum continues to support, embrace and participate in the new – be it technology, culture, politics, knowledge – because she wants to feel part of life, not just be an observer of it.

She lives life free from all prejudices … genuinely wants the best for everyone [going out of her way to help make it happen for them] and does everything with grace and respect … in short she is a fantastic human being and I never forget how lucky I am to have her [and Dad] as my parents.

I could go on but I know this will be embarrassing the hell out of her so I’ll just leave it by saying Happy Birthday for tomorrow, I hope you have a great day, I love you very, very much and I can’t wait to see you soon. Rxxx

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