What I learnt in my mother’s absence

This isn’t the first time I can’t be with my mother on Mother’s Day, the first time being back in 2009 when I was studying in Perth. This time though, the sting of not having my mother around will be a lot stronger, as I had to say goodbye to her just a week before Mother’s Day could arrive.

As much as she doesn’t believe me, I really did tear up a little when I gave her that one final hug before she left to the Departure Hall. I knew I was going to miss my mother this round, even though that little bit of independence from her had some good as I embarked on my own journey of being a better person. But it was still tough to say goodbye, because no matter what, she is my mother and I found that my time with her this round proved to be incredibly pleasant as I began to communicate with her better.

Me and my mother taking a selfie before she took off.

The struggle