Firstly my Mother. My earliest memories of her are her laughing whilst hugging me tight to her chest, lost in her long, strawberry blonde hair whilst playing with our pussycat Tom. Well her hair might not be as long, and it's not quite the same shade as it was, but she still has the same laugh and wicked sense of humour to accompany it. Like many a young lad, I took Mum for granted for way too long, and it has only been since I'd fallen in love myself, and started my own family, have I come to appreciate her for the person she is and realise how luck I and my brothers were and are. Love you Mum, I wouldn't be half the man I am without you.
The other mother deserving of praise is my wife, who also happens to be the mother of our four lovely children. She's a intensely private person, but brimming with giving and loving heart - those of us who have come to know her well count ourselves as lucky indeed. There's a certain sparkle in her eye, coupled with a cheeky smile, that I cherish. The great thing is I get to see it virtually every day now: my wife isn't brimming with cheer 24/7 (who is?!?) but with four children, two of which are effectively mini-hers, that sense of fun and joy is regularly bought to the table. It really makes my day. I can honestly say I love her more than ever and I'm envious of the bond she has with our kids... I think there's a fine line between jealous and envy... the fact that she has forged that bond through limitless, unconditional love really makes it hers to enjoy. She's a Mum and she's earned it!
Now only if I could get the family as a whole to play... baaaahhhhhhahahah! As if that's ever going to happen!!
 |
| Here's a shot of the family on a bushwalk - my wife wouldn't want me to publish her picture but I thought this might serve as proof that I haven't made this all up! |