In the land that is the land Down Under, today (13/5/12) is Mother’s Day.
In the land that is the entire world, this Friday (18/5/12) is my father’s birthday.
So last weekend I set myself a challenge to come up with a joint present that would cover the annual day we worship all things motherly and a milestone birthday. I thought about a round-the-world trip, or a quaint cottage nestled above the ocean off Cornwall.
But after quashing these ideas on financial grounds, I settled on an injection to cure all known physical and mental illnesses. Then I remembered this only exists within the realms of my imagination so I’d need to think of something a little more down to Earth.
A little more real.
I tried to think of something that would surprise them, something that I had never done before. Something that fitted my current dire financial straits, something that was undeniably ‘me’, something that they’ll shrug their shoulders at whilst wishing I’d just brought them a DVD.
And then it came to me.
I could tell them the one thing I never have. That regardless of all that has happened, of all the times I’ve screwed up, of all the random occurences through our lives, I have never been anything but immensely proud of them.
My parents, no matter what has been thrown at them, have always stood resolute. Never shifting in their beliefs, never wavering in their ethics. They’ve helped others regardless of the demons knocking on their door, fought hard to fulfil their dreams whilst assisting however they could to realise the dreams of others. Even though the road hasn’t been easy, they still rise up with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.
They have taught me the lessons we all need to learn; hoisted me from the gravel when all other hands had fled; smacked me straight when I wavered down the wrong alley and shown me that there will always be good in the world.
In an era driven by social networking, narcissism and the media machine we tend to show our love on only a single day. Be it Valentine’s day, birthdays or the annual day of worshipping all things motherly.
This gift isn’t just for a single day.
The Voice of our Song will be a symphony composed in honor of two people who don’t know how awesome they are to tell them how awesome they are. A cavalcade of memories – some good, some bad – and all the lessons they taught me.
So this blog is for my parents; two people I’m not too manly to say I love, and two people whom I couldn’t be more proud of.
Who are now definitely wishing I’d just brought them a DVD!
Addy.
The Voice of Our Song 