Remembering Mum

Remembering Mum

One hundred and two years ago today, on 28 October 1919, Mum was born in Liverpool; it was her parents' third Wedding Anniversary, and my Grandma always said Mum's birth was the best Anniversary present she could have been given. 

Mum already had an elder brother, Austin, who had been born in 1917, so with a toddler and a baby to look after, my Grandma must have had her hands full! Exactly four and a half years later, Mum's "baby" brother, my Uncle John, was born - on 28 April 1923 - but Grandma always said my Mum was an easy baby, and as she grew up, once Grandma had got her washed and dressed and ready to go out, Mum could be relied upon to sit for a while and play nicely, until it was time to go - probably unlike her brothers, who could be equally relied upon to get themselves dishevelled within five minutes of having their hair brushed!   

It feels very strange not having Mum's physical presence here in the house, and we miss her so much; but we still feel her spirit and personality surrounding us, which will stay with us forever. 

We have happy memories of singing and talking, and of course our great trips to take Tea at the Ritz - how Mum loved those, and all the attention she was given on her special days. 

I am so glad Mum was able to celebrate her 100th birthday, with the card from The Queen on her table, and all of us singing Happy Birthday to her, and all the other guests in the Palm Court joining in with the good wishes. 

So: Although Mum is not able to be with us, we are all thinking of her; we talk about her, and remember happy days. 

God bless you, Mum.

Al, Wendy, Alexandra, Mum, Bob, Sydney (Mum's lovely carer)

BIRTHDAY POEM  

It’s not every day we celebrate

A great centenary year

And now that you’re one hundred

It’s time to raise a cheer

For so many things that you have done

You’ve travelled far and wide

To Africa in all its ways

With Grandma by your side.

You’ve worked in jobs demanding much

But the pinnacle of your career

Was to land a top post in Treasury

A male-dominated sphere!

There have been seismic changes

But you’ve coped with every one

And risen up to do your best

And come out well and strong. 

We’re a family small, but large on love

You’re our universal glue,

Helping and encouraging us

To stay steadfast and true.

So we can celebrate with love

And congratulatory cheer

This special gathering at the Ritz

Now that your birthday’s here.

Alexandra Wilde

Birthday Girl Mum!

A creamy, dreamy birthday cake