WHAT does Mother’s Day mean to young people and do they stop to reflect on what their mothers have done and continue to do for them?
A quick visit to the playgrounds of two of our high schools revealed some interesting attitudes.
Nick Rickwood, a Year 11 student studying at Westport High School, is very impressed with his mother’s selfless attitude.
“Having had four beautiful children and being thoroughly satisfied with her family, my mum found out she was pregnant with her fifth child,” Nick said. “She made the decision to put all travelling plans of touring through Europe with my dad on hold. These plans have always been a desired dream of hers. The joy the new baby brings more than compensates, she tells me.”
Isabella Harrison, another Westport High student in Year 10, is amazed by her mother’s ability to cope.
“My mum is a single mum but you’d think by the amount of work and effort that she puts in that I live with both my parents,” Isabella said. “Every year my mum throws my sisters and I a massive end-of-year party to celebrate our school achievements and to show how proud she is of us. My mum had to grow up without her mum. And if I could wish one thing for my mum, it would be that she could’ve grown up with an amazing mum like I have.”
Megan Cooper, also in Year 11 at Westport High School, knows she is benefiting from her mother’s continuing generosity.
“One of the many things that my mum has done for me is always putting me and my needs first,” Megan admits. “She sacrifices everything for me so that I can go travelling all over Australia and overseas to places like New Zealand and New Caledonia with my sport of rock climbing. I would never have started it because of the cost but mum was keen for me to continue and encourages me.”
Gabriel Herron, another Year 10 Westport student, loves the fact that his mother makes burlesque costumes.
“Dad thinks she makes them too cheap but mum likes to make a quality item without charging too much. One of the most memorable times was when she took me to see ‘Pretty Things Peep Show’ at the Glasshouse,” Gabriel said. “I like that my mother has a no-nonsense attitude and she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and to admit her flaws. I’d like to take my mother and father to Tasmania for a couple of weeks if I could.”
At Port Macquarie High School, the Year 9 students spoken to were just as enthusiastic about their mums.
Ryan Johnson recalls a time when he was a particularly difficult child.
“When I was younger I used to have tantrums, as most kids do. All through this my mum still loved me. I love her for her patience.”
Layla Forbes cannot believe her mother’s strength.
“She raised me all by herself and funds everything I need,” Layla said. “She is the strongest woman I have ever met. My mum always supports me through everything. She finds ways to pay for everything all by herself. She works harder than anyone and still has a smile on her face. She is the best mum ever and I love her to the moon and back.”
Elenoa Wilson remembers when her mum was unemployed.
“She got a job and we got a new apartment. She was able to afford what my sisters and I needed for school,” Elenoa said. “Now she is planning a family trip to Fiji for us. I’m looking forward to Mother’s Day to tell her how much I love her.”
Christian Familar has a surprise in store for his mum.
“She’ll be surprised I’ve been talking about how great she is in the newspaper,” he said. “The big surprise will be when she sees my photo as well. My mum cooks me food and looks after me. I love her to bits.”
