09/05/1967
Today is my Mum’s birthday. The one time in the year where everything is extra-special for her. This isn’t going to be a standard Mum post. Here’s why.
Mum conquers another year on Earth.
This one was one to remember. One of change. One of triumph.
Triumph and change for herself.
Not anyone else.
I’m not going to sit here and say my Mum is the best Mum in the world.
Because while I think that, everyone is biased in their opinion.
What I will do is explain the reasons why this year, more than any other I distinctly remember, marks a turning point.
I spoke about the work ethic my parents instilled in me as a child.
That work ethic continues to thrive in the household.
But in a different way to before.
My Mum made a massive leap of faith in July.
She left her job of ten years after many fears of redundancy for the years leading up to her resignation.
This was a huge step.
Psychologically, staying in a place of comfort is easier. It makes us less anxious and more situated.
Enough was enough. My Mum took a stand and resigned.
The timing wasn’t great.
I was leaving for study abroad weeks later.
I was leaving my Mum in her most vulnerable state since my grandfather passed in 2010.
I know she wanted me to live my life and experience new things, just as she did when she moved from Pakistan, with my Dad, to the UK in 1994.
I left and still no word of a new prospect.
She is like me. Obviously.
In that, sitting around doing nothing isn’t an option and often leads to bouts of insanity; just as it did for me in January of this year.
She signed up for volunteering in the hope that it would boost her spirits.
No sooner as October rolled around, she found a new start. A fresh start.
A chance to pursue her dreams.
Dreams put to rest in her last place of employment.
While even today, the dream is still far away, it is a lot closer than it was last year.
My parents celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. My Mum and Dad are two incredible people and deserve all the happiness.
The First Impression blog posted Saturday was a reflection of both my Mum and my Dad’s insightful guidance and teaching.
My Mum has given me the heart to love others for their worth. Caring for those who may not deal the same respect in return.
My Mum allows me to be the best version of myself without barriers nor obstructions.
I received the best start in life, and I suppose my mission of self-improvement stems from these ideals.
Life wouldn’t be the same with my Mum.
Friends who have had the good fortune of meeting my Mum speaks volumes of her graciousness and integrity.
Values that she instilled in me from a young age.
She may have turned 51 today, but her childish personality makes her an equivalent to the sister I never had.
Lots of love Mum and here’s to many more years of not knowing how to take a picture on your iPhone.