Dear readers, 

We at LPG wanted to remind you that before we were great-grandparents, grandparents or parents, and even if we never had the parenting experience, we must remember that although we have not all had the opportunity to be parents, we were all once children. 

Today has to be the day when, no matter how old we are, the readers of these webpages will be able to look way back in our minds and remember the experience of short pants and gym slip school days, those times when you came home with a scab on your knee that only Mum could kiss better or the school parents evening when you were most probably dreading what your teacher might say to you and how severely your Dad would react to those words, ‘could do better’. In contrast, Mum would defend you and encourage you to make next year the year when your academic progress would improve.

For most of us, one constant during those days was our Mum; today is the day to acknowledge her. 

A good half of the population will also remember what it is to be a mum, which has always been defined by the care and love you have given to your little ones.  If you have spent any part of your life being a caregiver, that experience must help you remember what your mother did for you.

If you still have one but have now forgotten that today is the day to acknowledge all that sacrifice, it is not too late.  

Now that Sunday does not have shopping restrictions, there has to be a garage or supermarket, if nowhere else, where you can find something to give and, if you have just read this. It is still early enough; today might be the day for an early dash down the road to the local petrol station after an attempt at breakfast in bed if you live close enough; however inadequate your efforts may be..  It is also worth remembering that husbands and partners of any age will get extra brownie points for recognising that the mothers of their children might appreciate something special no matter how old those children are now.

There will be children (and dads) who have arranged a special event to mark the day. For some mothers and children, today might also be the day to reflect on memories of childhood and motherhood. Even if you are a mum who will not get any flowers, don’t let downheartedness prevent you from acknowledging the day's sentiments.

Maureen B

For LPG