As I write this, I am surrounded by various plastic toddler debris and my ears are filled with the plaintive wail of “Mamaaaa where are youuuu?” You’d think from the shrieking going on, that I had died or something but in fact I have simply retired to a different room from my toddler to get some work done. She has Daddy and she has her toys but without “Mama” life is obviously not worth living.
I know it’s a perfectly normal (albeit slightly claustrophobic) toddler phase but being the centre of someone’s universe to such an extent can feel like a weighty responsibility at times and it got me thinking about this role and what it really means to be someone’s mother. What is is it that is so special about being someone’s mum? Aside from the uncanny ability to multi-task like a nappy-wielding ninja obviously?
From the earliest age, I think for me, my own mother created the special feeling of home. Home has always really been more of a feeling than an entity in its own right for this reason – not bricks and mortar but simply a feeling that home was wherever my mother was. The feeling of comfort and of certainty. I was always safe with her and I felt that she would know the answer. She also had an uncanny knack for making any space we lived in feel like a cosy and welcoming home – maybe it was the inevitable big batches of steaming lentil soup that would welcome me in from a day at school or maybe just always her being there.
Either way, when John Lewis contacted me to ask me to write about what made my mother so special, I knew without a doubt it was her ability to turn house into home both practically and emotionally.
But that’s just my mother and I know every mother is different – so I decided to put the question to a group of lovely people and find out just what the word ‘mother’ also means to them. Here’s what they had to say:
“Someome who puts all their happiness above their children’s and will do anything to see them smile” – Lianne.
“The feeling that everything is OK – whatever it is, however bad it is, it will be OK when she is there” – Emma.
Somebody that never judges and always supports me – Pete.
“The one person I can always call, no matter what time it is or what the problem is. Always on my side” – Amy.
“My safe place 
💕 and just, everything” – Beth.
“Mother to me means home. It’s now my life’s work to make sure my daughters have my arms to come back to no matter where they go or what they do” – Kate.
“Never judging, gentle, kind, caring and fun” – Louise.
“Someone who is nurturing, patient, kind, gentle, manages everything seamlessly with an ability to keep everything in order and is always available to call on for help…maybe it’s all the things I want to be, or maybe it’s all the things I wanted” – Sarah.
This Mother’s Day, John Lewis are celebrating everything that makes your mother special with a range of thoughtful and carefully chosen gifts for every type of mother whether they be:
- fashion forward
- gardener
- adventure pro
- foodie
- loves her home
- tech savvy
- on the go Grandma
- spa-goer
- multi-tasking new mum
You can find the perfect gift for your mother this Mother’s Day by visiting their website – John Lewis.
My mother was my world & I miss her so much now she’s no longer here. Without her unconditional love, I wouldn’t have been able to function relatively normally as an adult. I love my own children with that same unconditional love ❤️ & although they are now adults, the love I feel will never change. Ps: I also think John Lewis is ace for lovely gifts
I can’t imagine how hard it must be. Thinking of you xx
A Mum Track Mind recently posted…Kit & Kin review
My Mum has been the one consistent in my whole life, and I owe her so much for all she has given me. I love that I have been able to give her so much back with five beautiful grandchildren!
And I’m sure she is absolutely thrilled with each one of them 🙂 x
A Mum Track Mind recently posted…2018 bucket list destinations
My mom is a great mom and an even better grandma. So she deserves a nice gift for mothers day that’s for sure!
Oh mothers day Is so special, John Lewis just do everything perfectly too don’t they! I love everything about them from their staff, to their stores and their website. I love their candle ranges too….definite winner for mothers day!
My mum made me believe that everything is possible in life and now I am trying to bring the same to my kid.
My mother is everything to me. She is my biggest fan, my biggest supporter, my life coach, my best friend. I truly don’t know what I’d do without her. Mother’s are so special.
My mother has been a great mother although we all have some things we’ll agree to disagree wit, with our mothers the love we have will never change!
I remember coming home from school and the home would smell like fresh baked bread. My mother is no longer with us, but I do think of her often.
Mary Burris recently posted…Battle of the Sexes BOTB
You know what? A wave of melancholia swept over me reading your post. Yeah, that’s what I want, a hope where you feel the warmth of love. But sadly, I haven’t exactly tidied up our crib lately. I feel it’s like a mess, like my head. haha Sigh…I hope after our vacation I can delutter some more. A tidy house for me, feels like the people in there are also fine. My mind now is cluttered and so is my home. huhuhu I shall endeavor to tidy up soon.
I understood the word motherhood when I became a mom.
it is so true! it’s important to feel welcoming and safe home.
Lyosha recently posted…Lingerie and Swim CPM
My Mum is wonderful and has been there for me my whole life.
Even though I was unable to give her grandchildren she is always there for me. She is getting old now and has some health issues. I hope I am able to be there for her as she has been for me.
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I’m 21 and still call my mother for everything. She’s the first person I go to when I’m happy, sad, or just need someone to talk to. What you said about home being a feeling rather than an entity is so true. I hope you have an amazing Mother’s Day. You deserve it!
Aww I miss my mom, because she’s on the other side of the world. Mom’s are amazing, ’cause they keep their children safe and and happy. Will definitely check John Lewis to give it to her. 🙂
You can never ever go wrong with products from John Lewis. Such great quality and so much to offer and anything purchased from their a mother would be happy for.
Thank you for pointing out this website, I’, still on time for international shipping! My mom is a great one! She is an unconscious traveller and feminist even if she grew up in a place and in a time where feminism was not an option, she a peacekeeper and the most patient woman in the world for supporting and… standing my father so many years 🙂
I am just impressed with the way that most mothers multitask in a way I could only dream of. I know I have a daughter and I do have to balance multiple things at times. But multitasking I do not do too well. Aside from that, John Lewis does have some great things for mother on mother’s day.
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Beautiful choices for mothers. I think it’s nice that there are plenty of gift ideas provided, especially since moms have different likes and interests. It’s really important for me to show my mom how much I appreciate having her in my life and I love giving gifts that she’ll love!