Mother's Day Can Be A Very Difficult Day

By: James MacLeod - Managing Director - Tobin Brothers Funerals
Thursday, April 28, 2016

Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity for us all to give thanks to the unique individuals, often affectionately known as Mum, Mother or Ma, who have cared for each and every one of us.

Equally, for those who have lost their Mum, Mother’s Day can be a very difficult day. Just as other significant occasions can be challenging without the presence of loved ones.

Mother’s Day, for the last 18 years, has been a tough one for me. The last time my Mum was fully conscious prior to her death and the last conversation I had with her was on Mother’s Day 1997. Seven days later she died. We were caring for my Mum at home, she was in a wheelchair and she sat in it on Mother’s Day. Then we gave her gift to open. Purchasing the gift was difficult. What do you buy someone who is about to die? It was some aromatherapy oils that my wife Louise and I purchased. Mum asked me to read the card out to her. Little did I know this was going to be one of the most difficult things that I had to do thus far in my life…read words on a card.

During Mum’s illness I really hadn’t expressed any emotions but reading this card to her on her deathbed broke me into pieces. My Mum was such a strong individual who had amazing inner strength. After I completed reading the card to her I was a blubbering mess. Her words to me were you always write such beautiful words Jamie (my Mum always called me Jamie and not James).

So I, like so many others, find Mother’s Day a tough day. It is with this in mind that Tobin Brothers Funerals offers the Mother’s Day Services. The theme this year is Seeds of a Mother’s Love. The aim is to provide space and comfort to all those who are grieving this Mother’s day. It is an opportunity for you to be with other people who journey through grief and hearing their stories and reflections can often be helpful and inspiring to us. I know from my own experience I have gained much from participating in these services and reflecting on the people of significance in my life that have died.

The service is an opportunity to remember, reflect with candle lighting and live music.

For more information, please visit our website: www.tobinbrothers.com.au

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