Our readers say a big ‘thank you’ to their wonderful mothers

For anyone without a mum, Mothering Sunday is undoubtedly one of the toughest days of the year.

And over the last 12 months – because of the pandemic – many, many more of us have lost our mothers. But is there anything that can ease the pain, even if only slightly?

“Mother’s Day can be a particularly difficult time,” says Andy Langford, clinical director at Cruse Bereavement Care (cruse.org.uk).

“It’s seen by many as a day to celebrate and spend time with loved ones, but it can be a distressing reminder of a death, and can trigger emotions of grief and sadness.

“But there are a number of things you can do on Mother’s Day and the lead-up to it, that you might find helpful if you’re grieving, such as finding your own special way to mark your mum’s life. It’s important to do what feels right for you, as everyone grieves differently,” he adds.

“Unfortunately, due to the tragic loss of life during the pandemic, there are likely to be more people than usual who’ve experienced an unexpected bereavement and are facing a tough Mother’s Day this year,” agrees Bianca Neumann, head of bereavement at Sue Ryder (sueryder.org).

“Many people have told me how they avoid shops around special occasions like Mother’s Day, because they don’t want to see all the aisles filled with cards, chocolates and gifts. For those who’ve lost a parent, Mother’s Day might bring up difficult emotions.”

Co Down man Roger Crawford lost his beloved mother Barbara just a couple of weeks ago.

Roger said: “What an incredible mum to Rachel and I and a brilliant sister to auntie Joyce and auntie Carole - the three Golden Girls! - and, of course, the third sister Jennifer who was mum’s lifelong best friend. Family was everything to mum, so much so, Rachel was mum’s best friend.

“She was a strong, independent, very stubborn woman, but she was also funny and very well liked by everyone.

“Mum brought Rachel and I up on our own and not once did we want for anything.

“She just loved her holidays with the girls and was always up for a party. I’m sure Gordon’s profits will take a hit now!

“There are lots and lots of great memories of mum that we will have forever, but one childhood memory mum and I always had a good laugh about was when she chased me up the stairs with a hot poker because I was winding her up so much.

“There will be a massive void in our lives without her and she will be sorely missed. Sleep tight and God bless. Love you always mum.”

Eileen Wilson from Belfast remembers her mum, Eileen Savage.

“My mum is no longer with us. My cousin was looking through an old photo album and found this picture of my mum (bottom, right).

“Her glasses are fab. I am named after my mum.

“Unfortunately my dad died 11 years ago and my mum was heartbroken, she never recovered, and died two years later. I miss her.”

Fermanagh man Malcom pays tribute to his mum Doreen, who has been through gruelling cancer treatment.

“My mum was diagnosed with mouth cancer in November 2019 and underwent 15 hours of surgery.

“She then went for six weeks radiotherapy every day from Fermanagh to Belfast.

“It’s miraculous how she got through it all. I moved down to a wee cottage near home in Fermanagh to support my mum and dad. And to drive her to therapy, etc.

“My birthday is actually mother’s day this year too.

“My mum is everything to us. She’s such a caring, kind, gentle person who lives for her family. She’s always been there for everyone and just adores her young grandchildren Sam and Katie.

“When she was diagnosed with aggressive mouth cancer and told what she was up against and what might happen, she accepted it and never complained. Even afterwards when she couldn’t talk she had no self pity and was more worried about dad and the family.

“She’s my best friend and i couldn’t think of life without her. She’s got the best personality and so much fun to be with.”

Paul Taylor from Belfast sent in this lovely old picture of his mum Doris, who is 96-years-old, but still going “100 mph”.

“My mum is a proper Cockney from Bethnal Green. She lives in Abbeyfield care home on the Cregagh Road, Belfast now.

“She wasn’t evacuated so worked through the Blitz in London docklands as a stenographer for the MOD and as a volunteer firewoman, helping my nan Lily put out incendiary devices. My daughter Lily in Year 9 is named after her nan.

“The woman on the right in the photo is mum’s older sister Lily who was a nurse all her life and died two years ago aged 97.

“My mum was still coming to circus workshops up until lockdown. She was also a keep fit instructor until her late 70s. I’m lucky to have her here.”

*Meanwhile, Little Poppy would like to wish her two “wonderful” grannies a Happy Mother’s Day.

She said: “Granny B and Granny Up the Hill. Love and hugs, Poppy.”

And Adam Burns sends this message: “Heather Burns, to a wonderful mum! We would not know where we would be without you, and hope you have a fantastic Mother’s Day. Lots of love from Alana & Adam x.”

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