Ordinary Lass Blog

I appreciate my Mum’s guidance, whether it is intentional or just a fluke. Knowing my Mum, she’s probably just been winging parenthood for the last 30 odd years. Reflecting on Mother’s Day, had me thinking about some of the things I have learned so far, albeit accidentally. Here goes…

1. The importance of accessorising…
My primary school photos suggest that I was my Mum’s fashionista protégé in the 1990s. Clad in a T-shirt and dungarees with a scrunchy bobble securing my fringe (I was growing it out), she tells me “it was trendy at the time”. Jury’s still out. As a teen, she taught me how to use scarves and belts to customise outfits and ‘synch in my waist’. Not much of a waist when you’re overly fond of Curly Wurly and Pop Tarts. Still, she was trying to give me confidence. I felt like a rebel when I subverted the school rule and tried to wear a non-uniform item in the name of individuality. The burgundy faux leather jacket didn’t quite coordinate with my navy emblemed sweatshirt and white polo combo. During my early twenties, it was just me, Mum and my Little Sis at home and it was first up best dressed in our house; all three of us were the same size, we commandeered the latest trends. Mum was always the trendiest. Don’t you just hate that?

2. Don’t take yourself too seriously…
Mum’s laughter is infectious. She is likeable, charismatic & funny; she’s a natural storyteller which is what makes her really entertaining. Being a people person, Mum is the life and soul of any party. We can all get caught up in routines of everyday life and forget about just having fun. At times, I’m like the parent attempting to enforce sensibilities. I’m a planner and notorious control freak. I blame my job; they’ve got rules and stuff. Anyway, who said you can’t dance on tables when you’re 50? When I look at my Mum enjoying herself, I’m reminded to let go and enjoy the moment too…and stand close to the table in case she falls off.

3. Be strong…
“Though she be but little, she is fierce”. She has survived brain surgery with a smile on her face; she could take on the world! After waking from a gruelling 6 hour surgery, sluggish from anaesthetic, she sleepily said, “You better not have been to the pub without me”. Laughing through anxious tears, we were glad that the surgery hadn’t affected her humour. She remains an optimist about everything. If she can sustain humour throughout serious surgery, then I should be able to keep it together when I want to cry just because it’s the time of the month, right? She’s set the bar high. Damn it. If Wonderwoman ever needs a day off, we know who to ring…and it won’t be me.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

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