Missing mum

Just received the latest copy of The Australian Women’s Weekly, flicked through and there it is, just how I feel – “I have mourned the mother I had” (Kiwi entrepreneur Charlotte Devereux talking about her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s). Sixteen years on from losing my mum to breast cancer, there I was right back at the moment she told me, “Sharon, I have breast cancer.” It was on my birthday, and left me numb with shock. My heart aches, my throat has closed over and the tears flow again. It was that moment I lost the most valuable relationship in my life. She was still there, but our lives changed for ever. Everything revolved around endless tests, treatment and waiting for the next bombshell – “Unfortunately your cancer has metastasised into your bones; your cancer is terminal.” I, and many others have also had these special relationships and memories snatched away from us. Thanks Charlotte for sharing your story. SHARON FLANNERY