Dear Hassie,

Strange the way life affects us.

Dad worked so hard. He had a tough life and
was determined to give his kids an easier
one through education and the opportunities
that offered. He did double shifts at the
rubber factory to pay for things. He did not
believe in buying things on credit. If he
couldn't afford to pay for it - he didn't buy it.

I too miss him more now - and appreciate more what
he did for us all. At that time I wasn't aware
how hard life must have been for him - and what it cost
him to give us the life we had. I only wish he'd have
lived to see his grand-children

My husband remembers what he and his mother went through
during World War II. How they spent nights
sleeping in railway stations, air-raid shelters, doorways
of houses while bombs were falling and cities were
burning. His mother was always there for him.

His parents worked hard to ensure his education. Later on in
life she decided to study geriatric nursing. She wanted to
work looking after the elderly. A job she did for
many years. Before she retired, she was
made a Governor of a State-run institution in recognition
of her distinguished service. She didn't make a big deal
of that honour - but she asked her son to have the
Certificate framed - which he's proudly to this day.

My mother-in-law was a very caring person. And we grew
even closer with the onset of Alzheimers. What I found
remarkable - was she recognised me right up to the end.
And always looked forward to my visits. She was a lovely
grand-mother to our children.

We shall be lighting quite a few candles for our mothers
this Mother's Day and saying a few prayers.

May you all remember your in your own way also.

Just a thought for everyone...

Wouldn't it be nice to start a tradition for all
those mothers who are no longer with us -
on Mother's Day - to light a few candles and say
a few prayers?

If we all did it - it just may snowball into something
very special?

Hi Foxy, my wife does that at times for her Mum, who passed away in 1969 aged 42.

Dear Paul,

I'm so glad to hear that.

My brother does that for my mum on the anniversary
of her death every year. The family gets together at
his daughter's property north of Port Macquarie.
It's got a stream running through it - and they float
flowers on the water and light candles for mum.
And of course say a few prayers as well.

We do the best we can with what we've got here in Melbourne.

I firmly believe in these sort of rituals to bring us all
together - and not forget those with whom we have shared
so much. To maintain that close connection of family.

It would be great if others did the same for their
loved ones.

I'd like to hear more of what others do or have
done.