One of the best parts of becoming a mother has been the change in my relationship with my mum. We have always been close and apart from a regrettable incident with a bottle of Archers and the school disco we have never had more than a few tense words between us. She helped me plan my wedding to perfection, so much so we nicknamed her ‘J-Lo’ and through these actions I began to realise how much her daughters meant to her. Now as I am taking my first tentative steps into motherhood I have this new found respect for her. I never realised how hard being a mother was. Never realised the endless drudgery, chores, sleepless nights, manic days and she had 3! What makes me so proud is I never realised…she never complained, never moaned. All I remember of my young childhood is many blissful days in the garden, endless rounds of meals and endless games with my beloved sisters. I know both my parents were very busy, but Mum was always there in the background to pick up the pieces when we fell and to tuck us in at night.
Now as I watch baby and ‘Granny’ together I am in awe at her ease with both my son and to how well she has adopted to her role as the ‘supporter.’ Never once has she judged me, criticised or contradicted my mothering skills. For this I am so grateful. She is there to help with baby and they adore each other already, but I know equally importantly she is watching out for me, her daughter and her baby. I have always loved her dearly, but now I feel our bond is changing, life is moving on and I am stepping into her shoes as she is moving into a new pair.
I know I am lucky. I know others have strained family relations…but don’t worry she isn’t all perfect! She HATES all things Ironman related and so I have kept many a race and result to myself. I didn’t tell her about the 40 mile run I did a few months ago (though had to confess the next day when she saw me walking down the stairs). She doesn’t get my need to push myself to the limit and cant understand why a good dog walk isn’t enough!? But in some ways this has served its purpose, I have nothing to prove, no pressure doing my sport, it is purely for myself and no one else. When I go home I can just be me, her daughter and now the new mummy.
I love you Mooms x
I love you Mooms x
Lovely Ed. x