INTRO: A little advice from mum doesn’t go astray, especially on Mother’s Day. I wrote this poem when my daughters were young adults. They had both left home and were living independently now. I was travelling through Western Australia, thousands of kilometres away from them, in Brisbane, Queensland. I missed them very much. I sent this poem to them on Mother’s Day 2012. Beverley Joy
PODCAST – A Love Letter from Mum
As I reflect on my decades of motherhood
I can honestly tell you, my dear child
I put all my effort into being a mum
And I loved and still cherish every moment.
I should have done some things differently
But babies don’t come with an instruction book
My mother was not a good role model
So, I had to work it out as time raced on.
My passion was to be available
Physically, emotionally, and spiritually
I’m thankful for the things I got right
And I’m sorry for the things I got wrong.
I hope you look back on those decades
And smile over all the good times
Of adventures and challenges, we faced
And that those memories will give you strength.
My prayer for you now as you venture out
Into the big wide wonder-filled world
To establish your own adult love and life
Is filled with my simple advice.
Build on the good things I taught you
Be open to learning new skills and beliefs
That will enhance your understanding
Of the complexities of life.
Always tell the truth
No matter how hard it is to do
Be kind and tolerant to those who love you
Accept their differences and agree to disagree.
Forgive others when they hurt you
Remember none of us is perfect
We all hurt each other now and then
Try and see only the good in them.
Don’t settle for mediocrity
For the different world in which you live
Is full of adventure and opportunity
And will take you a lifetime to explore it.
Dive into life and fully immerse
Experience both the good and bad
Learn from the happy and sad
Move on and leave behind the past.
When something doesn’t work out
The way you hoped it would
Go to plan B, C or D
Never stop making future plans.
Write a list and everyday tick
Something off your To-Do list
Items big or small, the object is
Move purposefully till it’s complete.
You are an adult now, just like me
I believe in you, in your ability
To find your own way through this life
I won’t give advice unless you invite me.
I ask one thing when I visit you
Put your phone down and smile “Gidday’
Greet me with a love-filled hug
And tell me “I love you, mum.”
When I’m off on an adventure
Striving to fulfil my planned future
Call me at least once a month
To say, “Hi, how are you, mum.”
Every day get out of bed
Never give up on life
Dig your heels in
Fight the demons within.
Stand tall and strong
In your values and morals
Find real peace, joy, and love
And true meaning in life.
Beverley Joy © 2012 of Simply Story Poetry
You can BUY my poems and verses at beverleyjoy.redbubble.com
Read my verses with images: Mum says ‘Dive in, experience, learn and move on, Happy Mother’s Day, Put Down Your Phone,
You can listen to all my poems on several podcast platforms here
Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Simply Story Poetry 
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