Have you been reading Non-Fiction in November?
I have been enjoying NF more and more lately, and Dear Mum edited by Samuel Johnson is my 3rd NF read in the last 3 weeks.
My daughter gifted this to me on Mother’s Day because she knows how much I love books, and I cherish this book for that reason alone. It’s a gorgeously petite hardcover anthology of letters to mums of 90 Australian celebrities. A book you can dip in and out of, showing the full spectrum of mums, memories, and childhoods. Because the things that stick with us when we think of our mums past and present are unique. But I’m certain you will connect with some of the letters and maybe this book will prompt you to write your own letter. Here’s mine:
Dear Mum,
I’m not good at saying ‘I love you,’ I’m better at writing things down. So here’s what comes to mind when I think of you:
A beautiful woman with style and class, I’ve always admired.
Someone who enjoys reading, setting an example that turned me into a reader and writer. How wonderful it is to share books with you and discuss titles we both adore, like anything historical fiction.
When we watch period drama’s together and gush over the fashion from the past because we are romantics at heart.
That you’ve always been a working mum, and I respect your independence and work ethic. It mustn’t have been easy juggling everything, but you’ve always set a fine example that women can do it all.
How you used to entertain with such ease when Dad invited a whole soccer team for dinner. Simply amazing!
I remember the cakes you used to make and wish I was that good at baking, so my kids could come home to the smell of freshly baked treats to enjoy warm out of the oven after school. Those memories are right up there. Maybe that’s why I love sweet scents.
When I fall in a heap, you’re always there, jumping to help with my kids while I recover.
Your strength when it comes to moving furniture and gardening. I never understood how you could pull out trees and shift things around the house with such ease.
How I want to impress you when you come to my house because your house is always so immaculate, complete with scented candles and fresh flowers, music crooning and platters of food. Because grazing really is the best way to eat. And we both have a sweet tooth.
The way you listen to me on the phone when we can’t see each other face to face and I’m being brutally honest. For being my friend, high-tea buddy, and shopping expert. I’ve never been good at buying clothes.
But I love French champagne and you do too, so as much as we don’t have in common, there’s plenty we do. And the older I get the more I’m becoming like you. When you’re born on the same day twenty-five years after your mother, it’s almost a certainty that you’ll have shared traits and passions.
I love you, Mum. You’ve done so much for me, thank you!
And these are the letters from Dear Mum that I loved most:
Amy Hetherington - comedian
For The Mortal Kombat ‘mum characters.’
Michelle Law - writer/actor
Clare Wright - historian/author
For letters about becoming our mothers.
Shellie Morris - singer
For a letter about how mums stand up for us.
Susie Youssef - comedian/actor
Because when her mum was shocked she would say, ‘Corey Baker!’ And when things didn’t go my mum’s way, she used to say, ‘Stuff a duck!’
To quote the late and great Eddie Jaku, “Your mother does everything for you, tell her you love her.”
And that’s why I always get emotional on Mother’s Day. Because I’ve given everything to motherhood and it’s amazing but always a rewarding challenge. It makes me a better person, inspires my writing, and has turned me into an extraordinary multi-tasker.
You should know, there are other books available like this one. Perhaps it might be time to check out Dear Santa.
Oh, and that reminds me: My daughter teases me for saying ‘perhaps’ a lot.
Kelly
