Jill White

For me, Mother’s Day this year will be a day of memories and reflection.

For the first time in 34 years there will be no children to fill the home – although I am sure there will be phone calls from all three of them – my youngest son having set off to follow his career in Johannesburg after graduating from Rhodes at the end of last year.

The memories would be ones of being woken up at the crack of dawn by the clanging of pans, crockery and cutlery and excited voices coming from the kitchen, as together they were all preparing breakfast in bed for Mom. The tray would eventually arrive, carried in by the eldest, with food fit for any little child’s dream of what they would like for breakfast... although not moms...

It was never about the food. It was about the thoughts behind the act. Another glance at the tray one would see the little vase of flowers, the careful setting of the tray, the little cards written by each child and perhaps a gift.

This was the show of appreciation, caring and love and thanks to Mom on her day.

So to all Mothers out there, enjoy your day and remember to live in the moment because before you know it they will be gone to follow their given paths in life.

While my children won’t be with me this year, hopefully they would have trained their dad to step into the void and, acting on their behalf, I might still receive breakfast in bed and perhaps even a gift.

At this time I will remember my mother, too. She was my role model. There was no one who had more love to give than her.

My mother was a very strong woman who taught me that women were capable of anything. This has given me the courage to test boundaries and tackle any challenges in life, including growing and expanding the business. She taught me nothing as a woman is impossible.

Mothers out there, you play one of the most important parts in shaping your child’s thoughts, attitudes and ambitions. You help build the foundation upon which they will build their future.

On joining the SPAR family it became immediately clear to me that some of the best retailers and most successful business owners were women. These individuals inspire me constantly and have validated my mother's lessons.

On Mother’s Day, it is only appropriate to celebrate the wonderful women who are the foundations on which families, communities and businesses are built.

Happy Mother’s day to all- and remember to live in the moment and enjoy.