Lizzy M.

On a daily basis, my mother back in England inspires me. Born in 1943, just as World War II was ending, one of 11 in a low-class area in England, Mom fought every day to be noticed. The ninth child, she was low down on the pecking order. Each Christmas she received a new pair of Wellington boots (rubbers in the USA) and each summer they cut the tops and toes out to make them into sandals. She was lucky to have a new outfit each year, and when she did, more than likely it was a” hand-m-down” from the older sister. She shared many stories with us as we were growing up, always showing us that we were not as bad off as we thought we were. She grew up with a thick “black country” accent, but at 18 put herself through speech therapy to lose the accent. She wanted better things. She married my Dad and they were a handsome couple. During our younger years, my younger sister and brother were always aware that my dad was never around much, but never once did she tell us why. She worked three jobs: cleaning houses, nursing mentally handicapped children and hairdressing. She never complained and always made sure there was food on the table and presents on birthdays and at Christmas. As teenagers, we knew that Dad had other “friends” and they eventually divorced, still she never complained or said a bad word. She remarried as Dad did. She now has polymyalgia and suffers terrible pain constantly, yet through it all, she is always a shoulder to cry on, a woman with wise words and a helping hand for anyone who needs it. She sat with my Gran as she died because we were all afraid to. She has positive words for everyone, a smile, a giggle and the dirtiest laugh. She maintains her dignity and would NEVER leave the house without makeup. When my younger sister was diagnosed as having leukemia, she sat every day with her at the hospital. If she wasn’t there, she was taking care of my sister’s three children, ensuring they knew they were loved and nothing would go wrong. When we all go through a drama, Mom is always there like a constant rock with her little phrases to keep us all strong. She envelops everyone she meets with a blanket of love and an air of class and serene beauty. She is over 4,000 miles away now. Even from there, we can feel her love and her gentle calming ways. She inspires me daily to be a better person, not strike the first blow and hold myself with class and clarity. She embraces our adventures and never mocks them. From 1943 to now, she is an inspiration not only to me, but to everyone lucky enough to be in her vicinity. She is my Mom and I am so proud.