I would like to say again how deeply grateful I am for the kind comments and messages, by email and otherwise, that I’ve received following my mother’s death. When I wrote about her, I wanted to put down in words something about how much she meant to me – perhaps it’s a natural reaction for a writer to write about such things - and doing so did help.
The people who have been in touch include old friends, and others whom I’ve never met, and some blog readers who haven’t commented previously. The generosity I’ve been shown is a reminder that so many people are very kind.
Of course, there was much I could have added to my blog post about Mum. I’ll just mention that her anecdotes (of which she had a seemingly limitless fund) directly inspired two short stories that I have published. ‘War Rations’ was inspired by her memories of war-time evacuation with a group of schoolchildren from the poorer parts of Leeds (though I was careful to ensure the female teacher in the story bore no resemblance to anyone I knew…) ‘The Basement’ took its story-line from her reminiscences of a real-life war-time tragedy which I found quite haunting. It was a case of accidental death which, because I am a mystery writer, I re-imagined as a murder. Both stories appear in my collection Where Do You Find Your Ideas? and in the preface to each I explained who gave me those particular ideas. She liked that!
Martin - I'm certain that your mother was pleased that she inspired you and very, very proud of your success as a writer. Speaking as a mother, there can be nothing more fulfilling than to see one's child become a kind, decent, successful adult. Your mother must have felt quite fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteFunny-my mother a decade younger, had no anecdotes at all. She never talked about her past unless pressed. I had to make up stories to fill in the silence. But it wasn't an unpleasant silence. She'd just rather have us talk and her listen.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am late to the sad news of your mother, I would still like to express how very sorry I am to read of it. A happy mother is a gift indeed, and it seems you had just that. I can think of no higher praise for someone than to say she "thoroughly enjoyed what she recognized... was a wonderful and very happy life". I know you will miss her dreadfully and I am thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you were so mutually proud of each other. And well-deservedly!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
You are fortunate to have a mother willingly offered you her stories and encouraged yours.
ReplyDeleteI could not put it better than Margot. It is humbling, the insight and emotions that beign a parent gives you. I am sure your mother was so proud of you, Martin, and her grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteThank you all very much indeed. Having written about my mother as a means of giving expression to some of my own feelings, I have found it uplifting to read the thoughts of others about the relationship between parent and child - something important to all of us.
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