from Women24
Image: Baba en Kleuter

Annel: This is a tough one. How do you say something loving about your mother without sounding cheesy or pretentious? Maybe I should start with the fact that she gave up her whole life to be a mother to her children, or that she was the most loving mother a kid could wish for. We were everything. Her whole life revolved around our happiness and development. In short she's the best. She accepts us as we are and loves us regardless of our many imperfections. See! That came from the heart and it still sounds cheesy ...

Francine: My relationship with my mom has been a true example of "The Generations Gap" – for the most part of my childhood I felt that I never understood her and she never understood me. But as I've grown older that gap has definitely grown smaller and we seem to have a lot more in common, shopping and dining out in particular, and this time together helps us to find common ground in other areas of our lives. Although we still have vastly different tastes in clothing it's great to be able to share my experiences with her now.

Melanie: My mother and I have always had a very close relationship. In fact I would often get into trouble because I would tell her way too much about what was happening in my life. I just found it so difficult to keep secrets from her. And now that I am (apparently) all grown up, she is still my number one confidant. She’s understanding and kind, yet also tough and practical. And somehow the transition from "mother" to "best friend who is also my mom" has hardly changed our relationship at all (except maybe for the fact that I don’t get into nearly as much trouble anymore.)

Natasha: My mom passed away when I was seven, so I don't have a tangible relationship with her, but definitely spiritual one. As I am getting older, I'm becoming more aware of her presence in my life. And whenever I feel anxious or I'm really upset about something, I take comfort in the fact that she's with me. After all, she always used to say she'd be looking down on me when from heaven, so I have to be really careful with what I get up to! It's easy to take for granted, but there's something strong and unbreakable in the bond between a mother and child. It's what moulds us and shapes us and it's ultimately that love that gives us the strength and courage to be our true selves.

Selena: I've got a beautiful relationship with my mom, I call her nana (it means elder sister). She's my best friend. She's an incredible, courageous woman. She's physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally the strongest person in my life. When I'm spending time at home on weekends I usually help her with the chores around the house. We talk, clean and cook and bake if she wants to. She's wants to, I know she wants to, but I've notice that she always finds some excuse to make me do it. When I tell her "haaibo nana, why do I have to bake all the time?" she says "because young hands are better for baking". I still don't know how much truth is in that theory, but I remember when I was younger how good I felt when she said that, and when she adds that I'm the best bake. And yes, we sometimes disagree on things, but generally nothing big.

And you and your mom? Tell us about your relationship with her in the comment box below.