In two weeks time I am running a 5k race with 14 of my friends to raise money for The Wegener’s Trust in memory of my wonderful Mum who died last August.
Please will you help us?
Please will you help us?
My Mum with baby Cakie in 2009
This is WHY
My Mum was the most wonderful person. She was kind, generous, loving and patient. An amazing doctor, loyal friend, wonderful wife and simply amazing mother. I have so much to learn from her and hope I can be as good, kind and understanding to my own children as she was to us.
Last summer, she died. And we miss her more than words can say.
Last summer, she died. And we miss her more than words can say.
Mum had a horrible illness called Vasculitis which is a rare disease that manifests itself in different ways according to each sufferer. This makes it very difficult to treat and specialists are few and far between. She suffered terribly from this illness and the side effects its treatment for 30 years, with numerous hospital stays and gradual disablement and a life lived in constant pain. Yet hardly one complaint.
She was treated by a wonderful doctor called Dr D’Cruz who has a real understanding of Vasculitis and related diseases. Vasculitis receives little to no funding in the UK and instead has to borrow its treatments from cancer in the hope that they will work. Dr D’Cruz is currently doing direct research with a scientist in trying to find the cause of Wegener’s Granulomatosis which is one of the most common types of Vasculitis. His charity The Wegener’s Trust operates out of Guy’s and St Thomas’s hospitals in London, UK.
If you have ever enjoyed just one idea on this blog please will you consider donating as a thank you?
By donating to this small, but specialised charity, you will be directly helping more research to be done into this disease and enabling specialists to make real advances in their areas of expertise.
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. My Mum would be so proud and so humbly grateful. Wouldn’t it be just wonderful if together we could make a difference for those suffering with vasculitis both now and in the future?
Please watch this little You Tube Slideshow to see some more of my lovely Mum. You can see the sheer joy that her grandchildren brought her and the smile that pervaded all her suffering.
I will also donate an extra £1 to the charity for every comment on this post. Please tell me one thing that you have learned from your own Mum that you hope to put into practise with your children.
Jessie says
Thank you for your post. I appreciate how you honor the memory of your mom.
As for my mom, I didn’t have any idea how much I learned from her until I had my own children. Now, I think of her as my hero. She is legally blind, but she never, ever seems to feel sorry for herself. She is positive and encouraging, and her passion has always been being a mother (and now a grandmother).
One thing I learned (am learning) from my mom is how to empathize with children, how to really see things from their perspective and mirror that back to them. I see her do this with my 2 year old son, and I can see that it allows her to have a deep, trusting bond with him. It also helps him process his experiences. For example, if he asks for a cracker and they aren’t any, she might say with a lot of expression, “You want a cracker and they are gone! Oh, shoot!” He frequently repeats this phrase, “Oh, shoot!” when he is disappointed. I think it helps him not get stuck in the feeling or sink into a tantrum. My mom’s willingness to really BE WITH Teo when he is having a difficult emotion, rather than rushing him through it, is something I strive to do both as a parent and as a preschool teacher.
Kendra says
Anna, what a beautiful tribute to your mum. I also loved her very much, as she was my Godmother, but not just because she was my Godmother. She was also very kind to me and had such a beautiful way about her. She made everyone feel very special. I enjoyed my visits with her sooo much. My trips to your house were very special, and remember the wonderful time we had in Sonoma Valley?
I am lucky to also have a wonderful mother. My mom has taught me so much, maybe especially to be humble and grateful.
Anna, it is very clear that you are a wonderful mum to your own children and I really hope I get to visit you to see you in action and meet your girls and your husband.
Love Kendra xoxox
maggy, red ted art says
Anonymous said…
Oh Anna, it is so sad to loose a parent, let alone to see them suffer so much before they die. I am sorry to hear about your mother’s illness and about your loss.
I think it is great that you are doing this run, raising funds and also awareness! Must be a very emotional thing for you to do.
Good luck with the fundraising and good luck with the run and may your memories of your wonderful mother never fade.
A big hug
Maggy
Anonymous says
just wanted to say that must have been one of the hardest few words to put together, may the Lord bless you and keep you and help you to continue being the super lovely mum you are obviously already being. i hope and pray much awareness and funding will come from this lots of love xx
Kate from An Amazing Child says
I think it is wonderful what you are doing Anna and you of course have my support. xx
Anonymous says
What a lovely tribute!
I lost my Mum before I was married. I think one thing I should try and put into action more is that she was wonderful at is being a great nurse when the children are poorly!
Rachel Norton
x
Melissa @ The Chocolate Muffin Tree says
Great Post. I know it was probably a difficult post to do. Your Mum seems like she was such a wonderful person! She had to be since you are such a Wonderful Mom! So sorry you had to lose her so soon.
My Mom taught me to always let your children be involved with the simplest tasks—cooking, gardening, cleaning, etc. She taught me to Love your children and to do it unconditionally. My Mom taught me so many things that I don’t even realize! By having a child, I definitely have realized that she was even more!
Jamie @ hands on : as we grow says
Wonderful post and I’m so sorry about your mum. She looks very sweet. This may inspire me to do something of the same for my mother-in-law.
You definitely have my support and I will share this with my friends and family, along with the hands on : as we grow readers.
Anonymous says
This is a lovely post, very sorry about your mum and for your loss. I think it is brilliant that you are raising funds and awareness of this. Best wishes for the future 🙂
Gemma O'Donoghue says
Hello, just watched the slideshow, lovely pictures – you look just like your mum in the picture of her with the birthday cake.
My little girl is only 6 months old and already I am realising just how much I have learnt from her over the years and just how much of a great mum she is. Reading your tribute to your mum really makes you value you what you have and I hope others reading will think the same.
Lots of hugs x
Caz says
Your post brought tears to my eyes, not only because I’m sad that you are now without your wonderful Mum but also because of the beautiful memories you obviously have. To have made such a happy childhood for you despite the hurdles she must have faced is inspiring.
I also have an amazing Mum, I think I appreciate a little more about her the older and more challenging my own children get! Probably the most important thing she taught me by example was to not let the small things get in the way of the bigger picture. I feel like I really get to enjoy my children thanks to the way she raised us; gently, patiently and with respect, and I hope I can do the same for my girls. I haven’t really told her that before, but I will now, thankyou.
Goodluck with your cause and thankyou too for sharing your Mums story with us x
Anonymous says
Thank you for sharing a little bit of your Mum with all of us.
Anonymous says
Memories are treasures we can pull out & view where ever we are. Thank you for sharing your treasures with us!
SarahElisabeth says
A lovely tribute to your Mother.
My Mother has also had long term illness. I don’t know how she managed to keep going for so long, keeping house, listening, praying, cooking and just being there.
I wish that I was even half as selfless as she is.
Hope the run goes well.
Meggie says
My mother always taught me to be NICE to people and TO WORK HARD. I truly believe that’s what got me here, in this wonderful situation, today! Thank goodness for mothers, and may their teachings always have a place in our hearts!
Michelle says
So sorry for your loss Anna. This was heartbreaking to read and surely was much harder to write.
My mom tought me to enjoy in small things. She always did. 🙂
misty281 says
This was beautifully written. Good luck with the run, very inspiring.
Jo Chopra McGowan says
Anna, I am so moved and inspired by this lovely tribute. I live in India and I earn in rupees so I am making only a tiny contribution, but I am adding one extra pound to what I was going to give before I saw your little “bonus” for the comment bit. So you can save that one. There are going to be a LOT of comments here!
My mother died in 2008. She was a saint and if there were any justice at all she would be canonized. One of the many things she taught me through her words and her life was that “people are more important than things.”
BLessings to you and your family and congratulations for carrying on your mother’s legacy so brilliantly. How proud she must be of you!
Laura says
Anna, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure you miss her everyday. What a lovely post as a tribute to her!
I’ve learned from my mother that if you are going to do anything – to do the BEST at it that you can. She has a wonderful work ethic, and never does anything halfway.
Anonymous says
Thank you for honoring your mom and for helping with the research of this terrible disease. I have Wegener’s and @ 50 years old depend on my mom to help me on my bad days. She has been a rock through the past 2 years and I appreciate her so very much. She and my dad have both had to help through all of this and knowing how hard it is on them to see their child suffer, they never give up, they just support that much more.
Charli Henley says
Thanks for your work, Anna! Rock on! I have Wegener’s and would love to do some fundraising or volunteering myself. I am hoping to be better soon so I can help out with the effort. Good luck to you!
gill barron says
just donated I have sadly no memmorys of my own mum she died when I was just 6, how ever through your blog I have learnt so much and copy so many of your ideas that i had to give. Your mum sounds like she was amazing x
rachelle | tinkerlab says
Hi Anna, I’m so sorry about the loss of your mum, and can only imagine how hard this has been for you. I’ll head over to the trust to make a contribution. Your blog is wonderful, and I’m sure your mom is very proud of you. xo
Quirky Momma says
Anna, I love how you are using your grief productiviely! To help fuel a fundraiser. I pray that God will give you peace and a gratefulness both of your memories of your mom and of your moments with your girls.
Anonymous says
Dear Anna, my prayers are with you at this difficult time. xx
Anonymous says
Such a wonderful thing to do. I’m sorry for your loss. She will always live in the hearts of those she touched.
Sherry and Donna says
Anna what a beautiful Mum you had … What a beautiful daughter you are! She would be really proud of you today.
Donna 🙂 🙂
Anonymous says
what a lovely mother you had – bet she was really proud of you!
Humm what have I leant from my mother – patience I guess; but I am lucky because she is still with me so I am still learning from you by watching her interact with my children
SarahF says
Go Anna! Well done for organising what will be a wonderful tribute to your mum. She would be so proud of you! It must be hard for you to watch the girls growing, seeing all that your mum’s missing out on, and knowing that she would have loved it 🙁
My mum was/is a wonderful lady. She’s selfless and always looking for ways to help others and be an encouragement to them. I love her. X
SarahF says
ps the slideshow is beautiful. very touching.
Be A Fun Mum says
Anna, I’m so sorry your Mum was taken from you too soon. Mine was too so I know the pain. Such a beautiful tribute! One thing I learned from my Mum: give, give and give again.
Anonymous says
Thank you
Thank your mum
I’m a 50 something dad, a sometime playworker, and recently declared an orphan!
Dad died last Sept, and tho Mum died 5yrs ago, it is only now that I can begin to truly appreciate the people they were.
So, if this post raises £1 for your mum’s memory, it has also raised £50 for the Samritans ( Mum was one), and £50 for Alzheimers research (dad had it)
I send you a hug.
Mark
Messy Kids says
My mom taught me that just because you may make bad choices, doesn’t make you a bad person. She has always been loving and excepting of me no matter what. And her door is always open to me, no matter what. I love my mom.
Rachele
Anonymous says
I am sorry for your loss- this was a beautiful tribute. I am reminded of this quote as your mother lives on in your memory, spirit, and personality–as you continue to make a difference in the future of others on her behalf; “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” – Neil Postman
jenny @ let the children play says
I can’t imagine what life would be like with out my mum around Anna – your post was so moving and a beautiful tribute to your wonderful mum. She sounds like such a strong and loving woman and wouldn’t it be wonderful if somewhere, somehow, she could feel all the loving energy of these comments.
Toddler Approved says
Beautiful tribute to your mother! Good luck with your fundraising! I just recently started reading your blog and enjoy it a lot!
zeebling says
I’m so sorry about your Mum, Anna, and this is a lovely tribute to her that you have written. I will donate, of course. I use your blog weekly, so owe you a great deal.
Good luck with your run!
Anonymous says
Great work. Keep it up!
Anonymous says
I think what I have learned from my Mum is to do anything it takes to help your children. My Mum was and thankfully still is dedicated and involved in her children’s lives.
Rebekah says
My mom taught me it’s never too late to live your dream.
Anonymous says
What a “beauty full” tribute to your mum. Your mum sounds like an inspirational woman who has left behind a legacy that will continue to positively impact on future generations.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mum.
My mum taught me through her actions that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
(I am having trouble posting this via my google account. Elise @ Inspiration Surrounds, Creativity Abounds).
Anonymous says
Thankyou for sharing and honouring your Mum with us. My Mum has always been very clear about her unconditional love for us and I always feel supported and comforted by this. I use this with all the relationships I build with children through my work and also all my loved ones (young and old). I know no matter what mistakes I make or what trouble I might get into – Mum will always love and support me and be there for me and I am grateful for this.
child central station says
What a fantastic way to honor your mom. My father-in-law is dealing with Wegener’s, here’s to hope, finding a cause and a cure.
ಪುಟ್ಟಿಯ ಅಮ್ಮ/Putti Amma says
I am sorry to hear about your mother’s illness and about your loss. I think it is a great way to honor your mother.
Good luck with the fundraising and the run.
Julia Deering says
I think you are brilliant to be fundraising so soon after you lost your mum. My own mum died of cancer three years ago (still feels like yesterday) and I’ve not been able to bring myself to yet.
Your mum sounds like a wonderful woman, and I’m sure you miss her terribly every day. My mum was really ill for a long time too – and seeing how she loved her grandchildren and rallied when she saw them was always SO moving. Her not being around any more is really part of my motivation for writing my blog. She was always keen to know what the children were making, playing and saying – I guess I’m just keeping her posted.
Have fun on your run! And I’ll pop over and sponsor you right now.
Julia x
Anonymous says
My Mum is one of the least selfish people I know..she always puts others first and will go out of her way to help. She is so hospitable and makes people feel welcome and at home in her house. She is a strong Christian and has been a great witness to me and so many others. She gave me a very happy childhood and is now a great friend. I have been so blessed, I just hope that I can learn to become less self centred and teach my girls the importance of looking after other people.
Anonymous says
Just recently found your blog but I think it is absolutely wonderful. So sorry to hear about your mother, but sounds like you are making sure her legacy lives on. Best wishes on the 5k, I’ll make sure to donate!
Anonymous says
Oops, I don’t follow directions well! 🙂 One thing I learned from my mother is to make sure I feel good about myself before ever worrying what others think about me.
Annmarie @ A Mothers Musings says
I love my mum to bits and can’t even begin to imagin my life without her in it.She is so wise and always has the best advice when it comes to raising my children. She taught me to follow my instincts.
Anna it seems like you are doing an amazing job with your children and by honouring your mother in this way you are teaching them the value of family. All the best with your fund raising.
Stephern Fender says
Anna, Mum would be so proud of your achievement in organizing the run and then DOING IT. My memories of her are filtered through the way she lives on in you, and I love you so much. Dad
Rachel says
I learned what a blessing it is to open your home to friends unconditionally.
As I’m writing this, I can see the post your dad left. It is beautiful. My best to you all.
SarahF says
what a touching post from your dad.
Juliane says
My mom was only with me for the first 13 years of my life, but in those few short years, I received more love, knowledge, devotion, memories and comfort than many people get when their mothers are alive 4 times as long. She was my best friend, confidant and the woman I wanted to grow up to be.
I think it’s wonderful what you are doing in your mum’s memory.