Editor’s letter

I’m feeling particularly sentimental about Mother’s Day this week. I think it’s because my little girl is turning 16. Oh, for goodness’ sake – I started welling up just typing that statement! Clearly it’s true – the fact Cleo, my firstborn child, has reached this major milestone in life fills me with emotion.

Why is 16 so significant? I guess she can, in theory, get married, leave school, move out of home, learn to drive and get a tattoo among other things. But that’s not what’s consuming me. The truth is I’m full of a strange mix of pride and sadness that my beautiful little girl is growing up. She’s officially a young adult and I can’t help but reflect.

Having Cleo was the best thing that had happened in my life up until that point. I’d dreamed of having a daughter since I was very young and was blessed with the sunniest, loveliest little human I could have hoped for. Every mother thinks their baby is a miracle, I know, but my Peach just spread joy to everyone from the moment she was born.

She has a heart of gold and I’m thankful she’s grown into a young woman who’s loving, thoughtful, kind and comfortable in her own skin.

And boy, can she chat to anyone! Since she could talk, she’s loved nothing more than bowling up to a random stranger and prattling away.

So today, when I sneak in to spy on her at Countdown, where she has an after-school job, I can’t help but smile as I see her happily nattering away to customers. She’s still spreading positivity wherever she goes.

There are so many of life’s lessons that Cleo now has to learn for herself, and as she turns 16, the challenges will come thick and fast. But I know ultimately she will be fine. Cleo is a good soul.

This Mother’s Day, I want to dedicate my love to Cleo – thank you for making me a mum and giving me the best 16 years of my life. I love you, Peach.