Mother's Day is celebrated in March in the UK, it falls half way through Lent & was a time when people made their way back to their 'Mother church'.
Spring flowers were often picked as a gift for their mum which is why they are still a feature of the day here.
Some previous Mother's day posts I shared - Mother's day Mother's day breakfast, , Mother's day breakfast 2013, For all the Mothers.
Mothering Sunday is an important day in the UK - read last years post for the history of it.
Having been gifted some gorgeous roses for Mother's day, I decided to change the sideboard to complement the flowers.
My Old Country Roses (or named 'Celebration' when we bought it in South Africa) by Royal Albert are the perfect match.
I love their delicate nature & they are handwash only because of their gold gilding but they come out several times a year to be used & enjoyed.
I am a 'Motherless daughter' but remember both my Mother & my Mother in law Olive on this day.
Olive featured in most of my adult life - a very accomplished person who could turn her hand to most things - knitting, sewing, cooking, baking, making chutney, fabulous roast dinners, a great knowledge of the countryside & its plants, enthusiastic gardener etc
I accompanied her to her Land Army lunch which recognised the contribution of women during the war when they kept things going.
She was widowed for a decade & I spent a lot of time with her to help her through this transition & as she became frail, I was there for her to her last breath.
My Mother was a strong woman who faced the challenges of life with strength, determination & resilience.
To us she was fearless, fierce, fiery & formidable.
If she was afraid in situations, it did not show because we felt sure she could face down any threat or danger that we faced.
In rural Africa, this strength of character is what was needed because of the many challenges that came our way.
She was never a subservient person, always equal to my Dad, her lifelong partner & this influenced my own attitude throughout life - to have the confidence to face any challenge with fortitude & dignity. We are not weak woman who are afraid to stand up for what is right.
My grandmother was there when I took my first breath, and I was with her when she took her last.
We were very close thanks to my parents who encouraged this relationship. She was my partner in adventures & I'm privileged to share her genes.
On this Mothering Sunday, be thankful if you still have your Mother with you. We envy you ...
Thank you for stopping by, it is greatly appreciated.
Dee 🌹💐
