Destination Scotland

Have you ever been totally wrong about a person? I like to think I'm a good judge of character and my gut instincts very rarely let me down, however when I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong.

Many moons ago my path crossed with that of Mrs G and man, did I hate the woman on sight? I took an instant dislike to her, really tried to avoid being in her company at all costs and thats how it stayed for a while.
As the days and months passed I have found that the more dealing that I had with Mrs G I began to doubt my instincts - could I have been so very wrong about this woman?
In the summer of 2005 Mrs G found herself to be pregnant after a lengthy battle with infertility and no-one was happier for her than I. As I was pregnant with Lola at this time we found that we had much more in common and began to spend more time together. Mrs G miscarried her baby at 14 weeks and I was so devastated for her. I totally understood when she couldn't stand to see me, still pregnant.
When Lola was born Mrs G was amazing and although her heart must have ached for what she had lost, she was there each and every time that I needed her. Our friendship blossomed and I can honestly say that she is a true friend in every sense of the word.

Mrs G became the proud mother of twins Mini Muz and Smidge in March 2007 and I hope that I was there for her when she needed me. Then when I had Dora in September 2007, despite having baby twins herself, she batch cooked beautiful meals for my family, made the 1 hour drive and even them in the freezer for me - she really is a star.

Today Mrs G, Mini Muz and Smidge have been to visit. We exchanged Christmas gifts and the kids played together for a few hours, we've had lunch and then we said our goodbyes - nothing out of the ordinary there.......

.......except that Mr and Mrs G, Mini Muz and Smidge are moving on Monday. They came to visit today whilst the removal people were packing up there home. They have took the plunge and decided to move to the very north of Scotland. They are going to a beautiful part of the country in the hope of a fantastic lifestyle for each of them. I really do wish them well and whilst I know there are telephones, e mail, postal services etc,l I can't help but feel that I am losing someone special.

Mrs G, you mean the world to me. I adore your kids and you have an amazing husband. You have been a fantastic friend and someone who I will hold close in my heart for the rest of my life. Regardless of the distance between us and the fact that you always call me a nick name that I hate - but from you I find it endearing!!

Love you hon,

Mrs M x

Sisters

I recieved this card from my big Sis G

The True Spirit of Sisters

Sisters can be sweet sometimes
and not so sweet other times.
They can be silly and fun
or serious and demanding....

They can be happy and easygoing
or a bit grumpy and hardheaded.
But whatever words you use
to describe sisters,
you can never really capture
their true spirit, because.....

A sister's true spirit
is found in her sensitive
and caring feelings that
are there when you need them.

That's just the way sisters are.

And, Sister, I hope
the next time you stop
and think of me,
you'll remember how much
I care about you
and know that we'll always
be close;
We'll always have each other.

Yes, I did cry!

My Mother letter

Dear Mother,

As a young, ambitious and selfish woman I never wanted to put anyone before myself. I never wanted to have to share or compromise. I never wanted to have to plan or give up being spontaneous. Quite frankly I never wanted to be a mother.
At 23 my 1st marriage ended and some months later I met my now husband. He came as a package with two small boys (4,2) and an ex-wife who is the worst mother I have had the misfortune to meet.
Suddenly, all of the things I'd never wanted where there on a plate - for me to take or tip away. I chose to take them.
As the days turned into weeks, then months, then years I realised that being a mother meant all and none of the things that I feared. We had the boys live with us 50% of the time and for 50% of my time I was a great mum, for the other 50% I was still young, ambitious and selfish. Not ideal, but it worked.

In 2003 we started trying for a baby to extend our family and after several miscarriages and the heartache that no woman should have to endure I finally carried a baby full term. Although I would never chose to go through the pain of trying to concieve and infertility, I can honestly say it did make me realise just how much I wanted to have a child and be a mother. I also made some amazing friends along the way, who still support me in my journey being a mother!

In 2005 I gave birth to my eldest daughter, thinking I was prepared for what lay ahead - I couldn't have been more wrong. Why I thought being a 50% mum would prepare me for being a 100% mum I will never know! The first few months were tough, I'm not afraid to say that I struggled - often - but we got through it, together. As my daughter grew and developed into her own little self I began to see what being a mother is all about. In 2007 I gave birth to my second daughter and things were so much better this time round. I didn't expect it all to be rosy and I was prepared for the pitfalls!!

In the early days I thought that being a step-mum really didn't prepare me for being a mum. People had always told me that I may have loved the boys, but when I had my own children I would love them more. Honestly? Yes, having the girls did change things, I do feel differently towards the boys. But do I love them any less? Not a chance!
Having the girls made me realise just how precious a gift I'd been given in all four of my children.
It also made me realise that being a mother has nothing to do with the act of giving birth, it's what you do when you are with the children that matters. It's how you support them in becoming themselves, it's how you teach them about whats right and wrong, it's how you influence their morals and values. For me being a mother is about giving a piece of me to each child. It's about picking up the pieces when it all goes wrong, then showing them the right way, it's about remembering that each day will pass and you will never get the chance to have it back.I feel blessed to be called a mother and I am sure you do too.

Love,
Mrs M