Write a letter to your mum and we’ll publish a selection of the best
Mother’s Day is just weeks away and social distancing restrictions mean it might be difficult to spend the day with your mum, but we have a priceless, powerful gift you can send without leaving your house.
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It’s just two weeks until Mother’s Day and most mums would love nothing more than to lift everyone’s spirits with a family celebration full of hugs.
But travel restrictions and social distancing mean many families will be unable to physically be together, particularly when mums are elderly.
Mother’s Day will look a little different but it can still be just as special. And, with one simple gesture, potentially more meaningful than ever.
Today, The Sunday Telegraph is calling on you to write a Mother’s Day letter to your mum to tell her what she means to you. Then share that letter with us, so the whole world can know how special your mum is.
It’s a priceless, powerful gift that costs you little.
Today, actor Rebecca Gibney has shared a letter she penned for her mum this year.
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Over the next two weeks, we will share more letters from your favourite personalities as we encourage you to send us your own letters.
“Focus on what she has meant to you in your life,” research psychologist Trish Obst said.
It’s been a while since Rebecca Gibney saw her 85-year-old mother with Shirley living in Brisbane and Gibney based in New Zealand. But she’s always in her heart.
A letter to my mother Shirley,
The glass is always half full. Its better to be kind than right. Compassion is the greatest gift. Forgiveness will set you free. And no matter what happens things will always get better.
Just some of the lessons I learned growing up in the Gibney household. A household that was often tumultuous and uncertain. That on so many occasions required us to forgive quickly and to always see the positive. And there were days when that seemed impossible. When we would wake in the morning after hearing the yelling, the thumping, the tears. When we moved for the umpteenth time because Dad had a new job so there was a new school, new friends, new life.
For many people that would be hard and sometimes it was. But you made it OK. You turned it into an adventure. And you constantly reminded us that we were still the lucky ones. We had each other. We had a roof over our heads and a father that loved us despite his alcoholism. And we had you. You were always there. Always. We knew that. And somehow that did make everything OK.
Mum you taught me the power of the human spirit because even when life was beating you down you continued to get back up. You showed forgiveness when most people would have turned their backs. You continuously blessed others with your generosity even when you barely had anything for yourself. Always giving.
Even today you perform random acts of kindness — every week you give flowers to a stranger. Because you want them to know that they matter. And you care. It’s because of these lessons, Mum, your family is living proof that we can overcome whatever life throws at us.
Especially now. I know we will get through this because you taught me how to. With kindness and compassion and respect.
These are the greatest gifts you have ever given me and I will be forever grateful.
Happy Mothers Day Mum. I love you to moon and beyond.
Rebecca
HOW TO SHARE YOUR LETTER OF LOVE
1. Tell us in 200 words what your mum means to you and include a picture of your mum. We will publish a section of the best on May 10. Please include NSW in the subject line of the email and send it to: letterstomum@news.com.au
*Maximum 200 words, and include full name, suburb and state.
If we publish your story your full name, suburb and state will be published. Please make sure you only send us images which you are entitled to let us publish. Not all letters will be published. Publication may be different for online and print. Online access is limited to digital subscribers only.
2. Read an excerpt to video and share it on your social channel on Mother’s Day #letterstomum #SundayTelegraph