Heather Evans Editorial

Hi Mum.

I’m doing a little bit of a different post today because, although today shouldn’t be different than any other day, it is.

Happy Mother’s Day.

We will all argue to our faces are blue that our Mother, Mum or Ma is the best, and I’m not going to compete. My mum has been the best mum to me and for me. No one else could have done the job better because, without every inch of her, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

You didn’t expect to have three girls, but I’m afraid that Paige and I are just beautiful freaks of nature and Meg is just, well, beautiful. I’m sorry that the additional arrival meant you had to carry a heavier load in more ways than one, and I hope one day I can somehow repay you for being Superwoman to us all. I really have no idea how you have done it.

For every after school club, for every washed P.E kit, and for every school trip you worked overtime for, I owe you everything. Thank you for watching all my performances as my number one fan, choreographer and harshest critic, for being my late-night fashion designer for all Easter hat competitions, and for being simultaneously my shoulder to cry on and kick up the bum during all my exams, stupid relationships, petty friendships and university experiences. I have had the best childhood because of you, and if you didn’t buy me all my books and secretly allow me to read Harry Potter underneath my bedsheets at night, who knows who I would be.

You may not understand or agree with everything I do, but your support me regardless and allow me my space to grow. When I lost confidence, you built me back up to be sassy, ambitious, strong and loud. Thank you for allowing me to blossom into me and giving me the confidence to be just that.

You have constantly inspired and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I know it is a cliché to say that we all eventually turn into our parents, but I can see it happening in me already. I’m not complaining. I’m turning into the strongest and most inspirational woman I know. If becoming similar to you is what the best version of myself looks like, then that’s okay by me.

When I first starting planning this post, I initially thought I would talk about the mothers in literature that have qualities similar to you, and that there would be loads to choose from. I will do that, however I was slightly annoyed with how I struggled to think of any that are represented in a good light. Parenting is a hard deal – so why are mothers given such a bad rep? I dislike the fact that in the texts I have encountered mothers predominantly are either shown negatively, whether that be weak, selfish or abandoning the altruistic ideal, or perfect and therefore with no personality or zest. Or maybe I need to read more books.

Mum, I can assure you that you are perfect to me and I have never met a woman with more zest. Here are some fictional mothers that either make me think of you, or have some of your awesome traits.

• Miss Jennifer Honey, Matilda by Roald Dahl

When we were little, you would always say the famous line from Miss Trunchbull when we hovered over your treats, saying ‘These chocolates are too good for children’ before allowing us to have our share. However, that is the only allusion to her that you have, apart from maybe allowing us to indulge in chocolate cake a little too much, like Bruce. Like Miss Honey, you allowed us to draw and put our work all around the walls, sing our hearts out and were a home to children that weren’t your own. You always knew what to say when we were down, and would always prefer the naughty step to the chokey. You knew our talents and encouraged us along our education, always buying me books and dancing around the house. Like Miss Honey, I was lucky enough to have my guardian and best teacher wrapped into one.

• Molly Weasley, Harry Potter Series by J.K.Rowling

You wouldn’t mess with Molly, and she certainly doesn’t mess around either. Molly always has her children’s best interests at heart, but if you were in trouble you absolutely knew it. You always opened up my home to our friends, looking after them with compassion and with food always on the table, but simultaneously no one would abuse your trust either.  Mum, without your discipline and heart of gold I would probably be a bit too cheeky for my own good, yet I also wouldn’t be able to have the backbone and sass that I have today. I got it for my mumma.

• Sethe, Beloved by Toni Morrison

Morrison’s whole text is about mothering and motherhood, and Sethe’s love for her unnamed, deceased child Beloved knows no bounds. Sethe would do anything for the wellbeing and happiness for the ghost and spiritual presence of Beloved, even if it’s to the detriment and sacrifice of Sethe’s own health. Mum, although I am 100% here, you equally have done everything in your power to ensure the happiness of your children, even if it meant making some compromises on your half. Like Beloved, I never understood all you have done for me until I grew older, and I appreciate everything you do. I promise.

• Frankie Lancaster, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

When I haven’t been well and caved in myself, you brought me out of my shell again – just like Frankie does for her daughter Hazel. You care about me constantly and are always there to speak openly with, but equally you allow me to do my own thing and live an independent life. Thanks, Mum.

Anyway, it seems my posts get longer and longer but I wanted to get this one just right. I’ll round it off to simply say thank you for everything you do, and if I could be half as great as you are then I would count that as an achievement.

Love,

Hev xo