Health, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

I remember my mother always used to insist that she didn’t want anything for Mother’s Day. She was never one for breakfast in bed as she was an early riser but didn’t like eating early.  But of course her three girls ignored those rather weak entreaties and would present an array of gifts.

Sometimes clothes, perfume, gadgets like footspas, depending on saved pocket money and later our hard-earned wages. And she’d be grinning from ear to ear. This from the most down to earth, modest woman I have ever known.

Because they would always be things she’d never in a million years get herself. She never did learn to treat herself after the high pressure of budgeting for three kids on a small farm waned.

Taking her out for a slap-up meal was something we would do in latter years. Going for dinner during our childhood was something we never did. Not even for special occasions like communions or confirmations.

Back then there was also no such thing as spas. I can’t remember ever offering to bring her to a hotel for a night.

And sadly we will never get to treat her with such niceties. She died in 2004 aged 54. Four years older than I am now and before she ever got to hold a grandchild.

It makes my family appreciate and treasure these celebrations all the more.

And haven’t things just changed so much in the last few decades when it comes to gifting your loved ones.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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