Today is all about celebrating Mother. Today and every other we should recognize the contributions and love given by the women in our lives.

To My Mother –

Ever since I was a little boy, you have always been there with your never-ending support.

As a child…you would pick me up when I would fall. You held my hand when I was too scared to walk alone. You read me stories each night – many, many, stories. Stories that spurred my imagination, creativity and desire to see the world.

As I grew, you continued to educate me by instilling good manners, values and kindness. You have always been a beacon of support. When I wanted to go to Medquest for a week, you never said no – even though there was not much money to spare. You never pushed me to do anything I did not want to do, with the exception of some chores. However, those were for my own good. Each request grew a little larger, as I grew. You supported my decision to go to the Capital of Canada in 2002 to attend the Forum of Young Canadians. I gained knowledge of our country’s political system and also made many wonderful friendships. You supported my decision to start-up my own small seasonal business in Flower’s Island Museum & 9-Hole Miniature Golf. You gave your time unselfishly to volunteer at a Charity Car wash and at the Flower’s Island Fun Festival.

I would not be able to recount all the times you were there for an activity or event – you were there for my high school graduation and there for my convocation from Memorial University‘s School of Business. You also supported my decision to take a semester abroad at Harlow. You accepted my decision to complete a work term spending a summer in London, England and a consecutive semester studying in the Czech Republic. The stories of castles, pyramids and the unknown became realities in 2007 when I travelled to 27 countries, live and worked abroad, experiencing a multitude of cultures, language, history, landmarks and heritage. Gosh, I must have driven you crazy mother, being so far away from my small Northern Peninsula homestead.

After completing University in 2008, I accepted a position in England. You supported me, because you knew this is something I wanted to do. I moved back home to spend a summer with you and work with youth to establish small business. My Work Visa was denied, so I decided to move to the West to see more of my wonderful country I proudly call Canada. I moved to Alberta, made wonderful friends and travelled to BC, Yukon and Saskatchewan. I also drove across Canada along in 2009. You always supported my decisions, even when I decided to move back home in 2009, after only being away for 11 months from my rural home. I am still there today with you. During this time we have worked tirelessly to create some improvements and change in our lives and the lives of others.

I will not forget our European Vacation in Fall 2010, where we visited England, France, Ireland and Northern Ireland. I am glad to have convinced you to go. I know how happy you were with all the wonderful sights, sounds and people we met along the way.

Today, I am unable to be with you mother, as I leave the big City of Los Angeles to fly home after spending some days with college friends and time alone exploring Hollywood.

I know I add to your worry sometimes with all the activity, travel and work I do. I have you to thank, as I look at how much you give at your work, the effort and care you put in everything you do – I say thank you. When I see you again, you will receive a wonderful hug for being there always. We will have our traditional dinner soon!

I am thankful to have such a wonderful mother.

Love Your Son –

Christopher C. Mitchelmore (Live Rural NL written from Los Angeles).

P.S. If you have someone in your life to look up to on Mother’s Day, please let them know it or remember someone who has passed on. Take time out of your busy schedule to spend with them not just tomorrow but into the near future, if you can. A little effort can make a world of difference!