My Amazing Mum Was the Biggest Inspiration in My Life

The person who has inspired me most in my life has been my amazing Mum. She died many years ago, but I feel like she’s still with me, always part of me.

A funny thing happened when she was a young woman out cycling with her best friend, Florrie. They’d been to the butcher’s shop and my Mum had put her purchases in the basket on the front of her bicycle.

“Turn left,” said Florrie, “Right” my Mum replied. Consequently they knocked each other over, and the contents from the butcher’s shop spilled out onto the road.

At that very moment a policeman was passing by. He saw what had happened, rushed over and exclaimed, “Whose liver is that?” My Mum and Florrie were helpless with laughter…

She taught me as a child, leading by example. To stop for a moment before you judge, to understand, to share, to give, to be kind, to love, to accept. That last one was hard to learn especially when it came to accepting the death of my parents. First my Dad, then my Mum. Nobody can prepare you for that.

She came to visit me in Australia a few months after my husband-to-be moved onto my boat with me. I hadn’t told my Mum about him because I didn’t think she’d approve. She was born in 1915 and brought up with very traditional values and standards. I thought she’d be shocked that I was living with someone so much younger than me.

After she had slept off the inevitable jet lag I took her to see my boat. We sat on a bench overlooking the marina and she said, “Who is he then?” I tried to look puzzled but it didn’t work. So, I told her all about him and all she said was “Does he make you happy?” I don’t think I’ve ever hugged her so hard and for so long.

Then she asked me, “When am I going to meet your young man then?” I introduced them later that day and my Mum loved him from the moment she saw him. I should have known…

My Mum had a wonderful circle of friends, most of whom she had known all her life. Just being amongst those amazing friends of hers taught me how valuable real friendship is.

I visited Florrie after my Mum died and she said “You’re so much like your Mum.” That was the highest compliment anyone has ever paid me.

I’d like to mention someone on Medium who has inspired me Jan Sebastian Thank you for reminding me that the power of positive thinking can overcome so much.