As every mother will know Mother’s Day is always a very special event. When writing my latest book, MOTHERING SUNDAY, the first of a seven-book series, I was surprised to discover when researching that it’s a custom that actually goes back many years. In Victorian times, young people in service were given the morning off to return to their families and attend a church service with their mum’s, where they would present them with small gifts. Of course, for many working-class people back then money was scarce, so it would usually be a small posy of flowers, possibly violets, as a token of appreciation for all that their mum’s did for them. Cards seem to be an addition that become popular much later on. What a lovely tradition and how nice that it is still celebrated today.
Rosie Goodwin
We mum’s tend to be a sentimental bunch and I’m certainly no exception. Up in my loft carefully packed away in boxes are all the little Mother’s Day cards that my children painstakingly made for me when they were at school. They are very precious to me and I wouldn’t part with them for the world.
Mother’s Day is usually hectic in my house as the children and grandchildren all start to descend bearing gifts. It doesn’t matter to me how small the gift might be it’s the thought behind it that matters. I was a foster mum for many years, so as well as my own children spoiling me I also get remembered by many of the children I cared for, which makes the day extra special. By the end of the day my house usually resembles a florist’s shop and I have enough chocolates to last for months!
The day is bittersweet for me now as I lost my own mum a few years ago. I always visit the churchyard on that day with a bunch of flowers or one of her favourite plants but it isn’t quite the same as being able to give her a hug and a kiss. Perhaps there’s a lesson there? We should all value our mum’s while we can and tell them how much we love them. It’s so easy nowadays to let life get in the way. We’re all so busy working and rushing about but Mother’s Day is one of the few special occasions when we put everything aside to spend time with those we love most. I so enjoy seeing the look on the children’s faces when they present us with our gifts. There’s nothing quite so perfect as being presented with a bunch of daffodils or a small box of chocolates and that special little card. And so, on that happy note I’d like to wish all you mum’s everywhere a very special Mother’s Day and I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I know I will!
