Invisible Threads

Tomorrow is Mothering Sunday. No, I will not call it Mothers' Day. I'm grateful for all those who 'mother' others- whether actual family members [mums, grandmas, aunts...] or older. close friends, who care and support the younger generations. I'm truly grateful 

• for my Mum, an amazing woman who achieved so much despite so many difficulties along the way, not least very poor health. My greatest role model 
• for my grandmother who taught me so much - about faith, and good family values [and sewing] 
• for all those 'aunties' around me as I grew up, close family friends who cared for me, encouraged me, supported me
• for teachers, youth leaders, and older work colleagues who gave invaluable advice and showed infinite patience

And now I am the grandma, with daughters, and grandchildren looking to me for love and support and care. During half-term week, I was so conscious of the strong bonds that hold our family together, the love between siblings, parents, children, grands... [women and men]
A couple of weeks ago, my blogfriend "Fat Dormouse" shared a beautiful song "Invisible Thread" by Neil Hannon [Divine Comedy] which is all about parenting. About loving your children with all your heart, desperately wanting to protect them from the bad stuff - but having the faith to let them fly. [Neil had me at the brilliant first line!]

"Invisible Thread"

I'm sewn into your collar, you're stitched into my heart

And though I know you've got to go, it's tearing me apart

You're stitched into my heart

Now go, spread your little wings and fly

Smile, you don't need a reason why

Leave if you've got to leave, just know

There will always be an invisible thread

Between you and me

I used to think that no one could keep you safe but me

That only I could guide you through life's crazy tapestry

But now you're guiding me

So go, spread your little wings and fly,

laugh, you don't need a reason why

Leave if you've got to leave, just know

There will always be an invisible thread between you and me 

Everything's connected, the fibres intertwine

The birds and bees, the flowers and trees

And even you and I

And when the time is right we go

Spread our little wings and fly

Sing, we don't need a reason why

Cry if you want to cry, but this is not goodbye

There will always be an invisible thread

Between you and me     [Neil Hannon/Divine Comedy]