thoughts and dreams

For you, mum

November 30, 2017

Mums are so difficult. Hard to buy presents for, hard to write about. Maybe because there are no words or things in the world that can make up for all the sacrifices, the selflessness. But anyway, here is a jumble of thoughts and feelings, which you’ll hopefully be able to make sense of.

In some ways, we are extremely different. For example, I like being outside, under the sea, making things, learning new sports, strict schedules. You prefer the Great indoors, get nervous in a pool, run away from arts and crafts, gave up on the Couch to 5k and are the most flexible person I know. I could continue, but what is more interesting is how we are alike.

We both talk. A lot. As if we are TV presenters, or trying to sell something, we are the queens of small talk. We can start chatting with anyone, anywhere, on any plane, or bus, in any grocery store. We both get mad easily, but forgive even faster. We are determined, stubborn and give our all. But we accept that we can’t be perfect. We are also stressy, irritating and bossy.

Yes, bossy. Which is perhaps why I decided to follow your lead and become a teacher.

But its your quiet strength I hope I’ll have one-day. You are that support, never failing. Who I can call at 5am when I’m locked out of my room 500 miles away, and you have an answer. Who I can pour out my woes to, and who’ll listen and say all the right things. Who I can get super excited with, about the smallest of things, because I know you’ll share my joy. You have stood out in the rain at races, a small dependable figure at the finish line. Driven us around to school, parties, runs, holidays… always there.

You know what’s best, whether I like it or not. Long days, you keep going. Did you always have an iron core? Or did you learn to over the years?

Hopefully one day it will be inside me too.

Happy birthday mum. Can’t wait to see you xx

Mum being all French. Sorry I had to xx

Its been exactly a year since Sunlight started, thanks to all who visit 🙂 Wishing you all a lovely weekend from snowy Aberdeen 🙂

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  • Bert December 9, 2017 at 8:36 am

    What a nice and well deserved tribute to mum. I like the photos as well. Not sure if mum enjoyed the wine!

    • Layla December 10, 2017 at 7:37 am

      or maybe she enjoyed it so much she closed her eyes!

  • Bhama December 9, 2017 at 11:05 am

    This blog is a fitting tribute to your mom on her birthday. Excellent picture selection to go with the writing. We really enjoyed reading , what a novel birthday present to your special mom.

    • Layla December 10, 2017 at 7:38 am

      thank you 🙂 she sure is a special mum!

  • subha December 9, 2017 at 11:55 am

    hi, loved it! thank you…can’t believe it has been a year of sunlighonmyskin, half a year of aberdeen, half a year of teacher training……time flies.
    looking forward to the holidays with you and mayls (and your dad!).
    thank you for the lovely thoughts and birthday wishes.

    • Layla December 10, 2017 at 7:38 am

      can’t wait to see you! i’m really glad you liked it 🙂

  • Maya Kuijper December 27, 2017 at 10:09 am

    loved this, so many good thoughts. omg the last photo haha that’s gold

    • Layla January 2, 2018 at 7:58 am

      thanks 🙂 yeah mum’s face tho 😛