I’m writing this on the day my Mum leaves China to go back to Nottingham.
She hasn’t gone yet and I already miss her.
I cannot tell you the happiness I’ve felt walking into a room and seeing my Mum there.
Her face.
Her smile.
Her gentle presence.
Sure I’ve loved taking her to new places, spoiling her as much as she’d allow – but the real joy has just been having her near me.
Being able to ask her a question.
Or share a joke.
Or just watch her reactions to things.
She represents all the best things about people … kind, generous, considerate, smart … she is a far better person than me and I should definitely have turned out better given all the love and guidance she’s given me.
That might sound like some empty Miss World type of statement, but I mean it – every single word.
I would happily have her stay with me/us for ever.
I’d love to be able to say good morning to her each and every day.
Have a chat.
Share a meal.
But she doesn’t want that.
Not because she doesn’t like China. Or Jill. Or the cat. Or me. It’s because she likes her independence and that is something to celebrate, even if it means we don’t spend nearly as much time together as we’d like.
So I want to say thank you …
For everything she’s done in my past, present and future and for making this holiday extra special the moment she landed in Shanghai and extra sad, the moment she left.
Till next time my dear Mum, safe travels, I love you and miss you.