Candles

Sunday and the thirty-seventh blog. 🤍

Today in England it is Mother’s Day, a day when sons and daughters celebrate their mother’s. This year once more is different.

For many it is a day when most will not be able to hug their mums. My daughters have already told me how much they love and appreciate me this morning but for me this relationship is, and always has been, a three way street.

I find myself in a strange position this year, I think Covid has compounded so many feelings. I am really missing my mum and far more than usual today.

My life has changed so much over the last few years and not having her advice has been hard, sharing the things that I felt only she, would understand.

This has been such a difficult week in so many ways. I am incredibly lucky that in returning to work meant I would at least see one of my daughters and it has truly made a difference, even though we are still following the rules and have not yet hugged.

Our mothers are our first teachers and one of those first lessons we are taught especially as daughters, is how to keep ourselves safe.

I know without asking that every woman follows the same code, keys in your hand, wear shoes you can run in if you are going to be on your own. Choose a train carriage with lots of people, I would like to say it changes as you get older, but it doesn’t.

I started this blog with stories of my first solo holiday it’s sole intention to help and empower women to show that you can holiday alone and at an older age when perhaps some do not feel as brave but I also knew I would need to include how to keep yourself safe.

I wrote how intimidated and nervous I felt when I was catcalled which took me by surprise as a middle aged woman. Which says it all, it was just something I grew to expect when I was younger.

I wanted to share my solutions to keeping and feeling safe. Something as a woman you always have to prepare for and something we automatically take as red but we really shouldn’t have to.

I know that my daughter will educate her son, and it is something she is already sad about, it is always the minority that affect the majority.

Yesterday I lit a candle, not just for Sarah Everard but for all women. There has been so much on social media both the good and the bad but this is being talked about and that can only be a good thing.

The fact that this has taken yet another life for voices to be heard is yet another tragedy.

So this blog is with thanks, to all the strong women in our lives, who taught us and continue to teach us, in a week that began with International Women’s day and proved one more, we are ‘always’ stronger together.

Stay Safe,

Joy xxx