So tomorrow my Mum arrives for a couple of weeks which means not only will I not be blogging till Nov 9th, I won’t be swearing till then either.
Now obviously my Mum knows the odd swear word escapes from my mouth because – scarily – she reads this blog every now and then, however for some reason, whenever she is in my physical vicinity, my vocabulary becomes distinctly smaller and the only things that leave my gob are words of sweetness and light.
Now like many people who have their parents to stay, I too am nervous.
However it’s not because I think she’ll be demanding – it’s because I know she won’t be demanding enough.
I love my Mum with all my heart.
She is a beautiful, intelligent, sweet, caring woman.
Throughout my life, the only thing she has ever wanted was for me to be me.
She didn’t care what I did, where I did it … her [and my Dad’s] only wish was that I did was I was passionate and excited about.
To be honest, I didn’t really realise how lucky I was to have parents like that until I was much older … and now, when I see what so many kids go through in terms of parental pressure … I think I may of been the luckiest man on Earth.
Anyway, back to my Mum.
Without going into specifics, the fact is she’s had a pretty tough life.
No, I don’t mean because she had me as a son – I mean it because she faced trials and tribulations that would have derailed most people.
She has sacrificed so much to let the people she loves have opportunities and she has never asked for or expected anything in return.
And quite frankly, that’s what pisses me off.
I want her to have whatever she wants … she deserves whatever she wants … and yet she fights like Mohammed Ali to stop me giving her a bloody thing.
We literally go through monthly battles and every time she fights vehemently against it.
Hell, it’s not like I want her to buy diamonds or cars, I’d just like her to know that if she wants, she can buy a coat that costs more than 50 quid from bloody Next once every 24 months!
Don’t think my Mum is ungrateful for my gesture, she is … it’s just that she doesn’t feel she needs anything and she’d rather I used the money to build my life, than hers.
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I know I’m her only son, but I’m 39 years of age, earn a stupid salary [but not as stupid as some I should add, ha!], have property, insurance, some terrible investments and a few savings … I’m pretty much set up … so I think I can spare some cash each month to make things a little easier/better for my Mum, especially as she lives more frugally than a bloody Nun so 10 quid would probably last her a year!
And that’s the thing … my Mum is a very humble and independent woman.
She doesn’t like attention [I take after my Dad, obviously!] and values health, independence and knowledge more than money and possessions.
And that’s how it should be … however after all she’s gone through and all she’s done for me, I want to try and ensure this period of her life is as fulfilling and satisfying as can be … where she no longer has to sacrifice her personal dreams and goals for the benefit of others.
I know she’s happy with her life.
I know she feels lucky she has relatively good health … a nice home with nice neighbours … a nearby college where she can continue to learn to paint and write … an ability to use technology so she can be part of this ever changing, fast paced World rather than just be an observer of it … a son who is doing OK and who is happily married and exploring what life is about … and I know seeing and spending time with me – especially in a totally new country – is something that will give her great pleasure and satisfaction … but I also know my Mum has a hungry and curious mind mixed with a sense of adventure and discovery so I just hope that on this trip, rather than simply feeling grateful for what she has, she embraces her right to do what she wants and deserves because I assure you, making it happen would give me happier than almost anything else on Earth.
Welcome to HK Mum …
[PS: It’s my Mum’s 77th birthday on November 3rd. Even though I don’t know where we’ll be – she will be with me – so feel free to leave her a birthday wish on this post. I know I’ve told you she doesn’t like the attention, but what better way for her to get over it than throw her in at the deep end? Ha!]