North coast women tell us what Mother’s Day means to them
Whether you’re cradling a tiny newborn, stressing out over the antics of your teenage son or marking your 50th year as a mother, you deserve to be honoured on the second Sunday in May. While Mother’s Day is often joyful and celebratory, it can be bittersweet. All motherhood journeys are unique and multifaceted just as all relationships between mums and children are complex and nuanced. Mother’s Day may be the happiest day of your year, the one that brings the most pain or a paradoxical mix of both. Coastbeat spoke to some wonderful north coast women about what Mother’s Day means to them and discovered its deep personal significance.
Diana, 59 (Port Macquarie)
Mother’s Day is a joyful celebration for me as I’m lucky to be a mother and have two beautiful children. It’s also a time to reflect because I no longer have my mother, so sometimes it’s a little bit sad as well. Mother’s Day has been quiet for the past few years as my son has been overseas and my husband passed away three years ago. But my wonderful daughter Carina always makes an effort and takes me out or we have a meal at home. This year, thanks in part to COVID-19, my son is home which is so lovely. When my children were in primary school they’d give me handmade cards and little crafts. I actually still have a few tucked away – a jar full of shells covered in gingham and ribbon from Carina and a little hanger made out of paddle pop sticks from Cain. I hope all of this COVID business helps people appreciate their mums and make an effort to see them more often. We take a lot for granted and think they’ll be there for us forever but that’s not the case. It’s so important to treasure those moments together.
Emma, 46 (Port Macquarie)
I tried for many years to have a baby and for a while, I wondered if I would ever become a mum, so Mother’s Day is always a special time to reflect on how grateful I am and how much I love my beautiful son, who is now aged eight. Being his mother is wonderful and I will never take it for granted. The day is also a chance to recognise my own lovely mum and thank her for all the love and support she has given me over the years. I like to spend Mother’s Day doing simple things with my family, just being together. It’s always a treat to receive a handmade card or something my son has chosen for me himself and he has surprisingly good – and very definite – taste in clothes and jewellery. Things are different this year, but luckily we live in a beautiful part of the world and we plan to spend time together outdoors in nature, by the beach, with perhaps a tasty takeaway lunch. I’ll probably also go for a surf with my son – we love hooting each other on the waves and it’s one of many experiences I enjoy sharing with him.
Belinda, 27 (Port Macquarie)
Mother’s Day means being able to celebrate mums and give thanks for all that they do. This has changed since I became a step mum. Now it’s about being able to celebrate with my stepdaughter and partner and simply enjoy time together as a family. The cuddles, cards and little gifts are a bonus! We usually celebrate by having a meal out on Saturday night or even breakfast at a restaurant on the Sunday morning. On Sundays, we’re usually travelling to drop my stepdaughter home but having the opportunity to share the day is special enough. Although restaurants are closed, and I can’t be treated to dinner out, I’m still looking forward to spending time together as a family.
Suzanne, 74 (Grafton)
Mother’s Day means quite a few different things to me. I think of my own mother who passed away 23 years ago, and I make a point of reflecting on all the lovely things she represented in my life. I write about her in my journal – her achievements, the things she did for me, happy memories. I also think about my children who are now in their thirties. I think about their births and what they were like as little babies, children, teenagers. I’m a grandmother to three beautiful girls and they’re in my thoughts on Mother’s Day too. I don’t see them as much as I’d like to but when we get together I give them so much love and focus on making special memories. If I can’t spend the day with my children, I share a meal with my cousins and we all talk about our mothers. I have some friends who are alone, so I usually invite them over for a cup of tea, too.
Amy-Jane, 36 (Yamba)
While Mother’s Day is a reminder that I don’t have a mum anymore, it’s also a chance to celebrate the fact that I’m mum to two wonderful kids. I’m so blessed to have them and the role of ‘mother’. Mother’s Day definitely isn’t normal this year, but I was prepared and did all of my shopping online so my four and seven-year-old boys will have gifts to give to me – I can’t wait to unwrap those presents! I’m hoping to have breakfast in bed and then we’ll probably go to the beach for some exercise. Living in Yamba has certainly had its benefits during iso life!