Anthony Albanese posts heartbreaking Mother’s Day story

Anthony Albanese has revealed the tragic events of a previous Mother’s Day as he pays tribute to his mum Maryanne.

Anthony Albanese has revealed his tragic memory of Mother’s Day as he paid tribute to his mum Maryanne.

In a heartbreaking Facebook post, the Labor leader said Mother’s Day was a special day, but for him and many others it was always a bit difficult.

“Mother’s Day was the day my mum went to hospital and never came back,” he wrote.

He said in 2002 he had flown back to Sydney from Canberra to take his mum Maryanne and her sister Margaret out for Mother’s Day lunch.

“When I got to her home in Camperdown, I knew something wasn’t right,” he said.

“The front door had been left open.”

Mr Albanese said after decades of health problems his mum had a brain aneurysm and was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

“Mum would spend two weeks in hospital before finally passing,” he said.

“Around every Mother’s Day, I visit the cemetery where mum is and I remember how much she sacrificed for me.”

Anthony Albanese with his mum Maryanne.

Mr Albanese said his mum had rheumatoid arthritis that crippled her joints and meant she couldn’t work. She lived on a disability pension.

“She taught me how to save – and how to spend wisely – because every dollar had to count,” he said.

“She also taught me the most important lesson of all: the importance of leaving no one behind.”

He said his mum was “left behind” by people who counted her out and by governments who cut back her support.

“When health funding was cut, the quality of mum’s care was cut too. And when they tried to sell our council house, it felt like our home was being taken from us,” he said.

“I know the difference that governments can make on people’s lives because I lived it. Mum lived it. It’s what motivated me to get into politics.

“To help people. To make life better for people. To make sure no one is left behind.”

Mr Albanese said his mum always gave him unconditional love.

“I feel very privileged to have had that. Mums really are special,” he wrote.

“A happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there.”

Originally published as Anthony Albanese posts heartbreaking Mother’s Day story