The Miracle of Mothers

“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his” Oscar Wilde

I couldn’t agree with a saying truer. Every woman at some point in her life has stated quite boldly and even proudly, that they will NEVER end up like their mother, but deep down we secretly all aspire to. Years down the line we all have that moment while randomly doing or saying something when we realise the inevitable - we have turned out like our mothers. That delights me!

My mother is special, because she is mine. We share a relationship that exclusively exists between us and can only be nurtured by us. Memories are endless, happy, heartbreaking, warm, cherishing and irate but most importantly they are still ongoing.

The fondest memory I have of my mother is remembering how one day she laughed so hard at something my brother siad that the tears streamed down her face for hours.

Over the years, my mom has dispensed heaps of practical advice, some simple every day tips in cleaning, cooking and running a household to other more serious, life changing words of wisdom.
Some of the silly, yet practical advice I received has stayed with me and often come in very handy.

• I always remember her telling me to never take medicine – especially strong pain killers on an empty stomach. Still to this day a Provita or piece of fruit accompanies the little white tablet.

• Whenever a recipe required something sticky like honey, syrup or peanut butter to be measured out, my mom would always dip the measuring utensil in olive oil, and miraculously the sticky goo would just slide off. No mess, no fuss.

• When I was very young I remember getting a lesson in cleaning my jewellery with toothpaste and a toothbrush. This always made it extra shiny and still works great today!

• Never return a dish that you have borrowed empty, and never show up to lunch empty handed! You might think this is common knowledge but to be honest I do believe that those who do this were taught that way, and it’s definitely a good thing to be taught.

• Don’t store curry leftovers in a plastic dish – this stains the dish yellow. Rather use glass.

• This tip might have come from my gran, but my mom definitely used it, and I still do. After cleaning the leaves of your indoor plants place a tiny bit of olive oil on some cotton wool and go over the leaves with it. This makes the leaves shiny and look healthier.

• Have a small run in your stockings? To prevent them from laddering further apply some clear nail polish over the hole.

• Moisturise your neck, don’t just stop at your face. My mom always told me that when I am 70 I will end up with a soft beautiful face and wrinkly sagging neck if I don’t!

• Best of all, my mom taught me how to cook. Something I always took for granted until I realise now that I am married how many of my other married friends cannot cook and experience the joy that I do of providing a yummy meal every evening.

My mom has given me marriage guidance, advice on relationships with friends and most importantly she has always been a shoulder to cry on. She is the most giving person I know and has sacrificed the last piece of pie on more than one occasion. Problems are always put into perspective after confiding in her and she is the best listener in times when solutions are not always required.

She is the best!