GREY + GINGER CLOTHING: THANKS MAM
Like flowers ache for spring my heart craves my mother more than anything – rupi kaur
My Mam is one of my biggest inspirations; she is brave, funny, kind, resilient, beautiful and clever. On days when I need her hug I wear clothes that remind me of her, some of her jewellery she has lovingly given to me over the years, and a spritz of the same perfume which she wore in the nineties while her and my Dad raised me to be who I am today.
She taught me how to draw a cat, how to care for all the creatures in my world, she showed me how to make marvels out of something small, and she showed me that being very small meant I still have loads to offer.
Growing up, she always encouraged me to do my best; and my best was always good enough. I remember her hugging me and saying well done whether I won or lost because every outcome was full of pride for trying. She bandaged every scratched knee in a way that made it instantly easier to get right back up and run.
My mam has been through it all, she has lived a thousand lives, she has lived for others much more than for herself and on many occasions she has made those around her feel like there was so much to live for. Her vulnerability is astounding.
Her laugh is vibrant and loud, and much like her sister and my grandmother, and myself, it takes up space in a room.
My Mam has never been afraid to claim the world for her own; to be assertive, to be bold and to go for the things she wanted. Yet she always maintains an appreciation for everything around her; she is kind to the world while she makes it her home.
When my friends needed somewhere to live, my house was also always their home.
There are moments when I feel like I am becoming my mother and I cherish the similarities, not so much the hereditary migraines; but you know what? In a weird way, I love that we can talk about them together.
I adore it when my Mam rings me with some goss over a cup of coffee, her beverage of choice for all of my life. The smell of it reminds me of warm kitchens with baked goods and a thousand cuddles.
My Mother loves all mothers, especially her own. My Mam stands for equality, reproductive rights, and justice. She would be the first to say that gender, race, ethnicity and sexuality, or anything which the world so often judges, should not inhibit anyone from having the right to be a loving parent.
I am so very fortunate and privileged to have such an incredible woman in my life who is also my mother; she is her own person who chose to become a parent, and gave much of her existence to raising me.
So, in light of her upcoming birthday, this thank you goes straight to her with a heart full of love. Thanks Mam, for being you.
P A P E R M A C H E M I N D
Thank you to Grey + Ginger for this incredible vegan organic and sustainable ‘Mother’ sweater from their new range which you can browse here.
I would ask that having read this post you consider donating to Black Lives Matter, support your local drag community and engage with LGBTQIA parental struggles in Ireland and around the world. Every one deserves the right to love someone as much as my Mam and Dad love me.
If you enjoy my work & want to support me you can buy me a Kofi here.
