A Mother's Love
Illustration created by ChatGPT
As a child, my mother wasn’t a touchy-feely kind of person. She was not one for hugs or encouragement. However, sometimes when I wasn’t feeling well, or just because, she would prepare a pot of tea for me and some cookies when I came home from school. That made me feel better - I felt wanted and cared for. She remained somewhat distant and removed as I grew up. She always kept her feelings and emotions close to her chest and wouldn’t share anything personal with my brothers and me. I would try to share both the good and the bad, but it made her feel uncomfortable, and she would quickly change the subject to something light - not serious. I think she had a difficult childhood and felt uneasy sharing her inner feelings with anyone – even my father. She did the best with what she had.
My mother's love, although not warm enough, flowed silently in the pot of tea and biscuits. She may have closed her heart because of the past, but she is also protecting you in her way. I work to think more about the tenderness she gave me, which is also a precious treasure in the years since she passed. Today, June 2, 2025, is her birthday.