I'm sure that every son will have similar feelings about his Mum, but it's no cliché to say that Mum really is a remarkable person.

Mum has a very equitable view of right and wrong and time and again will exercise very good judgement in dealing with people and situations.  I know that I learnt many lessons from her actions and views when dealing with intolerance towards people, based on anything other than the nature of their character.

That isn't to say that she will forgive or turn a blind eye to anything which offends her, quite the opposite in fact as she is not averse to speaking her mind when required to do so.  More that she will allow everybody the opportunity to interact with her and then based upon their character alone, she will make a value judgement about them.  I'm sure that my distaste towards any kind of racial intolerance was due in no small part to her example.

She's also quite an active woman and gets on with things, not allowing time to pass before starting on something which she has put her mind to.  I think that in this respect she was the driving force of the family encouraging decisions which were made to be seen through to a conclusion.  She's never really been one for putting things off for another day.

Mum started her working life as a hairdresser and would work from our home in Heptonstall when Marilyn and I were growing up.  When we moved to Cleveleys she continued with her hairdressing which would have provided a welcome additional income and no doubt allowed us to enjoy a slightly more comfortable lifestyle and ultimately allowed us to move to the guest house.

At the guest house she was very much in her element.  She would cook food which would have graced any table and never wanted to sacrifice the quality of her own home cooked food for that which could have been bought.  Making breakfast, lunch evening meal and supper kept her very busy and, to be honest, was probably way more than was required.  At the time though Bed and Breakfast was only just beginning to appear in small guest houses and was seen as something of an inferior offering.  It would certainly have made for a much easier life and no doubt a more profitable one, but at the time it was seen to be what was required for such an establishment.

Mum has always worked and when we eventually left the guest house she eventually worked in the caring services, at home for the elderly and incapacitated.  She was and continues to be extremely able in dealing with people in these circumstances and has the ability to deal with people in a caring and compassionate manner, helping them to maintain their dignity despite their very difficult personal circumstances.

Whilst Dad was at his worst during his illness, her experience and plain old common sense allied to her clear love for him, helped him to be comfortable and well cared for during extremely difficult and emotionally stressful times.

In my fathers last 2 weeks of life he was moved to a local hospice and for many years after he had died, Mum worked voluntarily at the hospice and I know she gave a lot of comfort and happiness whilst gaining a lot of personal satisfaction from her work there.

At the time of writing she is a very sprightly 73 and whilst she enjoys many friendships and even re-married some three years ago, maintains a level of independence which she relishes.

Hannah, my Mum loves you dearly, as she knows just how much you mean to me and because you are my daughter.  Mum saw just how happy I was when I was seeing Marie and although she never met Marie, she knew just what Marie meant to me and how much I cared for you then and now.  She really does have a sixth sense as far as me and my emotions are concerned and she knows that I love you very much and she cares for you and Marie equally as much.

I'm sure many sons will say the same of their mother, but she really is a remarkable and lovely lady.  I truly hope that you have the opportunity to meet her.