Additional Needs

I Love You Mum

Posted by Helen Horn on 11th March 2024 Additional Needs

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Just four little words that mean so very much. I remember when my now 24yr old was much younger, he would often throw his arms around my neck and say “I Love You Mum”. My heart would swell.

The likelihood is that my eldest son (now 27yrs) will never say those words. He is nonverbal. He can ‘sign’ I love you. I’m not sure he understands what love means. I tell him often that I love him. His response tells me he thinks it’s something nice…….he’ll usually blow me a kiss. I ask him if he loves Mum. He shakes his head. It doesn’t upset me. He shakes his head to everything. Everything that is apart from “Do you want pudding?”  Then he can nod and say “Yeah.”

As Mother’s Day has just passed, we have seen all the cards in the shops expressing our love and thanks to our mums. The advertisements for expensive treats and meals out. Commercialism….. says my 24yr old cynic. He doesn’t buy into it, he never has. Until recently he was a cash strapped student and I wouldn’t have wanted him to spend his limited funds on me. Just a hug and those four little words were enough. (Though his dad would ensure there was always a little something for me from the boys)

I have never had breakfast cooked for me on Mother’s Day.

I have never had breakfast cooked for me on Mother’s Day.

I am the only cook in my house so actually I’ve not had breakfast cooked for me ever. I’ve never been taken out to lunch or for afternoon tea on Mother’s Day either. Pubs are crowded and it would have been difficult with my eldest who has complex needs. I really don’t mind.

As for my mum, I know as I approach my late fifties this year that I am very lucky to still have my own mum in my life. So yes……I have bought into the commercialism as I have done every year since I was able. I had the card and the gift. I’ll tell my mum I love her, I don’t tell her often enough but I hope she knows how much I love her every single day.