Thank You Mum

I could fill an entire book with lovely words about my Mum, so when Great Rail Journeys challenged me to write a small blog post about why I’m thankful for her, there was no question about it, other than how I was supposed to fit it all in one post? My relationship with my Mum is unique to say the least. Like every mother-daughter combo, we have our squabbles (like when she casually texts me to ask if she can wear white to my wedding) but most days we’re best friends. So, here’s just a few reasons why I’m thankful for my Mum. Grab a cookie, it’s a long one!

The Holiday Home Makeover

This has become my Mum’s trademark. Most people dread coming home from a holiday but I genuinely get excited about it. My Mum pops in while I’m away and does lovely things like filling the house with fresh flowers and stocking the fridge with goodies. On my return from Egypt last month, I found she’d even done the task I dread the most. HAND WASHING! (She even ironed my Fiance’s pants but that’s another story). This regime happens regardless of whether I’m away for a day or a week. I recommend giving the gift of a surprise holiday home makeover to someone you love, as once you get over the thought that you may have been burgled, finding out someone has been in your home is rather nice. A tip from the Queen of makeovers, leave a post it note or two so your hard work does not go unnoticed.

My Mum is behind me every step of the way regardless of the weird and wonderful ideas I think up. Like the time I applied for a job in London and she came with me on the train for the interview even though we both knew I would never dare move there. The time I spent my first birthday away from home and she flew half way across the world to spend it with me as a surprise even though she had to get an indirect flight and spend 12 hours in a french airport alone. The countless doctor appointments that I drag her to in fear of some life-threatening disease that usually turn out to be something harmless like dry lips. When I quit my job to go freelance she was my biggest cheerleader. She even came to a fitness bootcamp with me.

Working from home means I don’t get to speak to many people on a daily basis but thankfully I do get texts. My Mum is a huge fan of texting and her messages often make me laugh so much my cheeks hurt.

Richard Branson, if you are reading this I really really would like to honeymoon at Necker Island… *hint hint*

She’s a tough cookie. She raised me single handedly, putting up with countless teenage strops and ridiculous demands. She is the most positive person I know and is always on hand with excellent advice. For these reasons and many more, I asked my Mum to walk me down the aisle this August. She said yes and for this I am thankful as I really couldn’t imagine anyone else taking her place.

Here’s a few fun facts about my Mum:

1. She’s a sun worshipper and refuses to admit she is burnt even though she was once nicknamed lobster Pat by people round the pool.
2. She sleeps on her back to avoid chest wrinkles (FYI this totally works)
3. She can iron a shirt in under 3 minutes
4. She once bought a hula hoop for ‘fitness reasons’
5. She once ate my cousin’s easter eggs and replaced them and ate them again (a total of 8 twirls in case you were wondering)

Does your Mum deserve a trip to Bruges*? You can find out more about the competition here.

*Fun fact: Until a year ago I used to think you pronounced the G in Bruges!