Part Seven: Of Mothers

A selection of my mother's clothing.

You wrote that your mother has given you great words of wisdom, what would you give your mother now that you are all grown up and wiser?

I am not sure that I regard myself as grown up, as I still do not feel like a real adult (whatever that term even means). I believe that we never stop needing our parents, in some form or another, whether we are fortunate enough to have them with us or not. The love I have for both of my parents is greater than I could ever possibly express. My parents have taught me and cared for me more than any other persons, and for that I am ever grateful.

I have never really thought of the sacrifices, care and knowledge that parents bestow upon a child as something that can ever be repaid. I do not believe that I could ever repay my mother for what she has done for me. I obviously do hope that I am able to give my parents everything that they wish for, to the best of my means - I want their lives to be comfortable and happy.

My father always tells me that receiving money from a child could never compare to the joy of seeing their face. So I shall always try to make sure that I am there in person for my parents, whether it be to help them with something, or just to enjoy their company, and let them enjoy mine.

Nobody worries about you like your mother does, so I always try to make sure that I do the little things to make her feel at ease. If I am going out, I make sure to tell her where I am going, and what time I expect to be back. If there is a chance of me running late, I make sure to keep her updated so she does not worry. It often seems that children to do not realise how much parents do worry for them, even if they may not always be able to express it in the most obvious ways. Indeed I doubt I shall ever be able to understand that worry until I have children of my own. However, if I can put her mind at rest, I make sure to go out of my way to do so.

I think communication in general is important, and it really does make a difference. I make sure to take the time out of my day to talk to my mother, not only to tell her about me and how my day has been, but also ask about her day, and how she feels. I place a huge importance on the relationship I have with my mother, and one of the most important tools within any relationship is communication.

As such, I always make sure to talk to my parents as often as I can. Whether we be talking about our days, the weather, the news, a book, cooking - it really does not matter, as the most important thing is that we cherish the time we have to be within the company of each other. The best things in life pass us by before we have the time to truly appreciate them. We fall into the trap of living for things to come, of working solely for the future, that we forget to live in and enjoy the moment. We worry of what is to come, yet once that has passed, those worries seem trivial.

I believe that even the smallest of gestures makes a difference, so I always try to help my mother in any way that I can. Whether it be helping out around the house, with washing, cleaning, cooking, or just offering my help in a given situation. I believe that the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help, so I try to offer and give my help without anybody having to ask. I try to do everything within my ability to help my parents and make things easier for them. They have helped me, and if I can help them it makes me happy.

I often feel that children choose what to see when they look at their parents. They see the shortcomings and mistakes, and, due to familiarity, take the sacrifices and hard work for granted. My parents are among the most hardworking people that I know, and if I can lift part of that burden in some way, I am grateful of being able to do so.

I suppose that the only thing that I can give my mother is me. I give her my utmost efforts to help her like she helps me. But most importantly, I give her the opportunity to see me, and the opportunity to see my smile. Everything you need to know about the world, about family, about love, can be found within a simple smile.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

I have two brothers and one sister, all three of whom are older than me.

Do you have any fragrances that you are currently coveting?

For the ladies...

Alexander McQueen Kingdom - Angelic beauty meets pure lust. It is as shocking as it is beautiful.

Balenciaga Le Dix - It is a beautifully floral, and oddly smooth, vintage fragrance that still works today.

Bvlgari Omnia - Spicy, warm and looking romantically towards the East.

Chanel No. 19 (original version) - A testament to the art of perfumery.

Hermès Vanille Galante - Melon, lily, water and the faintest trace of vanilla. The combination sounds so wrong, but the smell is so right.

Lanvin Scandal - Warm florals turning to a light spice and leather. The vision of a Parisian women sipping coffee on a late summer's day.

For the gents...

Christian Lacroix Tumulte Homme - Beautifully warm, light and exotic wood.

Dior Homme - A burst of fresh iris and sweet cocoa, turning into a comforting powdery amber.

Dolce & Gabbana The One - A sweet and spicy scent, with decidedly masculine undertones.

Hermès Bel Ami (original version) - It is warm, inviting and traditionally masculine. The peppery opening turns quickly to warm woods and leather, and ends with a nicely fragrant tobacco.

L'Eau D'Issey - A fresh warm weather fragrance. I am not a fan of aquatic scents, but for this I make an exception.

P.S. A Happy Independence Day to all my American readers. I sincerely hope that Will Smith does not have to save the planet from aliens today. Although if he does, please do make sure to put the footage onto YouTube. Kthxbai.

Currently playing: Heart Of Glass - Blondie

xxxx