*This post contains affiliate links marked with an asterix*
Mother’s day is little over a week away and I’ve been having a long hard think about what it means to be a mother and also what my mother means to me. I was approached by VQ and asked to take part in its Mother’s Day campaign to celebrate the launch of the brand new VQ Emma Bridgewater *Hepburn Mk II * radio and the VQ Emma Bridgewater *Retro Mini * radio which are being sold exclusively in *John Lewis*. As part of the campaign I was asked to talk about my mum and why she deserves her own Emma Bridgewater radio (and a whole lot more).
It’s taken me ages to write this post because it’s actually quite hard to put it into words. I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have the relationship that I do with my mother. We have always been really close and I would even go as far as to say that my mum is one of my best friends. We speak every day without fail, even if it’s only by phone or on messenger, and we see each other multiple times a week. She is the first person I go to when I need someone to talk to or if I need emotional support and she is always there for me.
Growing up, my mum was a massive inspiration to me and played a huge role in helping to shape the person I have become. She helped to nurture my creativity and I have so many fond memories of all the fantastic creative activities we used to do together from reading, drawing and origami to colouring, baking and writing poetry.
She also taught me how great it is to be different and to be an individual and this gave me the confidence to like who I was growing up and not to feel pressured to conform. I think this also helped me to be open-minded and accepting of others and to value the things that make people different.
My mum has played a huge part in my life and like most children, I never really thought about her mortality. It was just a given that mum was always around and it never really occurred to me that she wouldn’t be. That was until one day in 2009, when we learned that mum had breast cancer. That was when everything changed and suddenly we were faced with the very real possibility that we could lose her. The thought alone was so unbearably painful that I really couldn’t let myself go there.
Luckily, mum had other ideas and her positivity, optimism and bravery surprised us all. She took the news far better than the rest of us and seeing her approach the situation and her treatment with such amazing strength was really inspirational. As mum fought to overcome the disease that threatened her very existence, I couldn’t help but think about how awful the future would be without my mum in it.
What if she wasn’t at my wedding? What if she didn’t get to meet her grandchildren? Thoughts so hideous I had to banish them from my mind. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my mum and even now I can’t bear to think about that eventuality…so let’s move on quickly.
As you all probably know by now, I became a mum myself for the first time in December 2013 when I gave birth to our beautiful daughter Matylda and then again in November 2015 when our gorgeous little daughter Milly was born. It was not until the moment I first held my own child in my arms that I truly understood the power of a mother’s love. I can’t even put it into words, it is indescribable and incomprehensible and all-consuming at the same time.
It was only when I became a mother myself that I truly understood and appreciated everything that my mum has ever done for me. All those hours of lost sleep, of complete and utter exhaustion, all the worry, all the guilt, all the tears, all the hundreds and thousands of hours dedicated to helping me to develop and thrive and learn all those new skills that I would need in life.
I never understood how selfless mothers are until I became one myself. And in becoming one I couldn’t help but think back to my childhood and look at it through my mothers eyes, and oh what a different experience that is. The adventure of a child’s first day at school is replaced by the heart ache a mother feels seeing their baby walk through the school gates in their freshly ironed little uniform.
The excitement of a child’s first sleepover is juxtaposed with the anxiety a mother feels when faced with the possibility of their child waking in the night and finding themselves in a strange place.
The elation a child feels going on their first date is replaced by the gut wrenching angst that a mother feels knowing that their baby is not a baby anymore (and could, if they’re not careful, be making their own babies before long).
The exhilaration a child feels when about to embark on foreign travels alone is replaced by the agonizing fear and dread of knowing that if something should go wrong you won’t be right there by their side to help them out.
Thinking about my childhood from my mother’s perspective brings tears to my eyes. Obviously I didn’t mean to put her through so much emotional turmoil, but I did and simply because she loves me. Whilst I’m excited for every milestone my girls will reach, I’m also nervous, scared, worried, stressed and every emotion in between. I love them both so much it physically hurts and to think that every day that passes is a day closer to the time when they will no longer need me just breaks my heart. (*I’m welling up just writing this!)
So before I start really blubbing, I just wanted to finish this post with a message for my mum. I want her to know that I appreciate everything she has given me, everything she has done for me, everything she gave up for me, everything she taught me and all the support that she continues to give me as I try to raise my girls as well as she raised me. Happy Mother’s Day Mum and I hope you enjoy listening to your new radio!!! (Thank you VQ for giving me this beautiful gift for my mum).
If you want to treat your mum to a VQ Emma Bridgewater radio this Mother’s Day then you could be in luck. VQ has given me a new *Hepburn Mk II Pink Hearts radio* to give away to one lucky reader. All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is leave a comment below stating what your mum means to you and why you think she deserves her own VQ Emma Bridgewater Pink Hearts radio. Alternatively you can enter by tweeting or posting your reason on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #MyHeroMum. The giveaway closes for entries at 12pm on Mother’s Day (March 6th). VQ will then select a winner.
Let’s make some noise for all the amazing mothers out there who deserve to be recognised this Mother’s Day! After all, being a mother is definitely the hardest job there is, right?
UPDATE: WE HAVE A WINNER
Congratulations Sarah who entered over on Facebook! #MothersDay #winner pic.twitter.com/ZOyY6xo10Q
— VQ (@MyVQUK) March 6, 2016
What a lovely post Stacey. So glad your mum is alright. I lost mine in 2009 and especially miss her at this time of year.
My mum means the world to me, she is so strong & deserves to win as she looks after us all so well.
My Mum loves cooking and se loves music. she adores Emma bridgewater. this is THE perfect mothers day gift for my loving mum who is not just a mum for me but is a mum for my newborn twin babies too. since I had babies she has been doing all the cooking, cleaning, babysitting and even the night feeds for babies. she deserves a treat big time!
My mum is my absolute hero. Recently retired, my mum has spent thirty years working as a home-care worker for sick, elderly and vulnerable people, enabling them to remain in their own homes and providing them with love, care and a friendly smile, even in the most difficult circumstances. In my opinion, home care workers are one of the most under-paid and under-valued professions. It is horrible to think that one day I might need a carer, but if I do, I sincerely hope it is someone as kind and gentle as my mum.
she means the whole world, after just losing my father ,her husband through cancer think this would cheer her up a little
My mum is the most important person in my life. She helped shape me into the woman I am today both me and my brother have professional careers. She was a single mum that sacrifed to make sure we succeeded. Who can ask for more
my mum is my rock, best friend and a very strong lady. The last few years have been tough for her but she has come through and still keeps going, this would be amazing for her to win something like this for those rear times she can kick back and relax, sadly i wont get to see mum tomorrow as i live in scotland and she is in devon but i do get to spend 2 weeks with her over easter hols with my 3 baby boys xx
Used to make the most amazing Sunday roasts #MYHEROMUM
#MyHeroMum My mum is such a big help to both myself and my sister with our children, she never stops! ❤ This would be a lovely surprise for her x
My mum is very selfless person, she would give anything to her children and grandchildren .
Aw what a lovely post this is, had a little tear in my eye
#MyHeroMum my mum is so loving and caring she would help anyone at any time but her dancing and singing skills are not quite perfect as I have caught her singing and booging in the kitchen a few times. so a fab new radio might get a bit more practice in
Lovely post Stacey, and great giveaway, love a VQ radio :)
My mum means everything to me, she puts everyone before herself, she is going through so much as life isn’t being kind but always smiles and carries on. I don’t know how she does it, my mum really is one in a gazillion :) #MyHeroMum
#MyHeroMum, my mum is so witty, caring, kind and I love the way she does things that scare her! Today she’s on a stage in front of hundreds giving a talk for the women’s world day of prayer. She phoned and said ‘I’m so nervous and I’m supposed the be the leader’! But she does it anyway. I think that’s the best way to be as you only live once!
My mum would love this radio, we’re huge fans of Emma Bridgwater and we listen to the radio a lot. Thanks for the chance!
#MyHeroMum My Mums been through such a lot in these last few years. But even during some of her harder times, she’s always been there to support me through my own highs and lows. She would absolutely adore this prize as she’s a keen radio listener.
she means everything to me and to my hubby and kids as well. Without her I would be lost when my boys where born and growing up as she was always there and never told me what to do but advised me of what she has done. So she does deserve all the best
I know that all mum’s are very special and my wonderful mum has been caring for me since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer. She has been so fabulous and I couldn’t have done it without her help, reassurance and kindness. She always knows what to do to make me feel better and every single time I was brought home from chemotherapy treatment there was a little vase of fresh flowers next to my bed. I had to give up my flower shop business when I was diagnosed and missed the flowers so much this little gesture was truly wonderful.
My mum means everything to me. She is strong and loyal and has taught me that I can get through anything.
Such a beautiful post – made me a little teary eyed. I can really resonate with you on this as I have a fabulous relationship with my mum. She is the one person that knows me inside out and that I always turn to for advice. She’s not only a mum but a sister and also my best friend – I’d be lost without her. A x
I forgot to tag my last comment with #MyHeroMum. Is it all right if I do it now?
My Mum took me to the doctor when I was ill with Hypothyroid and supervised all my meals until I got back to normal weight. A year of devotion.
My mum supported me every way she could while I brought my son up on my own xx
Despite having a full-time job, mum made all our clothes, drove us to athletics and dancing competitions virtually every weekend, looked after our home with an enormous garden, took us to church on Sundays, volunteered for the SPCA and helped us look after dozens of pets. Somehow, she made us all feel valued, listened to and loved.
#MyHeroMum is amazing person no words can justify what she means to our famiy
I’m extremely lucky to have my Mum as my Mum, like you we are extremely close, along with my sisters we are more like a gang (poor Dad even the dog’s a girl!). But even though we are a close family, there’s something about Mum that makes her our ‘superglue’ somehow she just keeps us all together, through good and bad she’ll make you smile. In times of real strife on goes the radio or stereo and ‘Disco Kitchen’ is there to dance away your troubles! Thank You Mum for everything xxx
I would like my Mum to win this so she can drown out my fathers singing in the shower.
My own mum passed away in 1996 when i was 17, so i would love to share this prize with my fiance’s mum instead who has helped us raise our 3 boys ages 6, 3 and 7 months, and has been there for us.
#MyHeroMum, Penny, is well, just brilliant – nothing is too much trouble for her and she brings so much joy to my children which makes her even more wonderful! She makes a mean sherry trifle, shares with me an addiction to Thorntons (what can I say, it must be genetic…right??) and has supported me, my dad and siblings come what may. If I become half the mum to my children that she is to me, and my brother and sister, I will live out my days a proud and happy woman. Oh, and she also adores the Archers, so this radio would be perfect for her!!! Fingers crossed! xx
My mom is my very best friend, she is always there to support, advise and help me. I don’t think I would have been able to cope with arranging my wedding or giving birth without her.
As always, with children, I don’t show anywhere enough appreciation for her so this lovely radio would go a tiny way to showing her just how much she means to me
#MyHeroMum. my mum is caring and kind. She is always there for my siblings and I, her grandchildren and her great grand children
My mum means literally EVERYTHING to me, she is my best friend. I’ve suffered badly from anxiety and depression since an assault almost 4 years ago,and I’ve seen her cry because she just wanted me to be able to live my life without being terrified. To be able to return to work, and to just live. I’ve finally gotten a job again, and i’m getting a little bit better all the time, and I could never have done it without her.
#MyHeroMum. my mum is caring and kind, and always there when we need help
I think mum deserves this because she is so kind and considerate, she loves us unconditionally and i often hear her singing in the bath.. so this would be a perfect gift for her.
My Mum always makes me smile and has always taught me to live life to the max after her Dad my Grandad died very young! I have had amazing experiences thanks to my Mum teaching me this valuable lesson #MyHeroMum
My mum means the world to me she has always been there for me ,good times and bad
Dad died suddenly last year so it has been a difficult time as Mum had to downsize to a property that needed refurbishment, then her little cat died too. There are 5 of and there have been health problems but Mum has always been there for us, and her 9 grandchildren – and she still babysits her great-grandchildren because she doesn’t like us to see her sad and the children laughing make her so happy!
My mum’s kind,caring, considerate & full of great advice to get you out of troublesome moments. She’s been a fantastic mother and brought us up to be level-headed & balanced.
My Mum is Wonderful, as she is truly Caring. She brought up the family, dedicated herself to us. Despite having been widowed at a young age. She welcomes our friends. Treating us as her family, she is supportive of her community. Now her health is failing she would benefit from the radio for nice music. Whilst she would be Delighted to receive such a thoughtful gift.
#MyHeroMum not only gave us unconditional love, but also instilled in my siblings and I from an early age to be independant. She taught us to be self sufficient and how to cook. I couldn’t have asked for a better Mum and I love her dearly. PS She loves Pink girly things more than anyone I know so this radio would be perfect for her. Thanks for the chance