Hi Mum.
‘Hiya Love.’
Week today.
‘Is it Love? It can’t be, gosh it’s coming round fast.’
Did you see me Christmas shopping today Mum?
‘I did Love, I saw you in Boots.’
I always wear boots, especially this time of year.
‘No Love, Boots, the big one opposite Primark and I saw you in there too buying those thermal vests. They’re belters, 2 for £7, you should have got more, you should have got me a couple.’
I wish I could Mum.
Did you see me trying on winter coats with Frankie?
‘I did Love, the one you’ve got her is perfect and in the sale too, bargain.’
It’ll keep her warm and I got the bigger size like you always told me to and then she’ll get more wear out of it.
‘You can always turn the cuffs back.’
You can Mum.
I wish we could turn time back, I wish we were going round the shops together, me with a face on and you looking fretful in a plastic spotty rain hood.
‘You never liked shopping did you Queen?’
No Mum but I knew you did. You dragged me round Stockport precinct for years, holding things up against me while they’re still on the hanger, insisting, ‘Here, this’ll fit you, go and try it on and if it fits, I’ll get it for you.’
I remember my ungrateful resistance.
‘Mum I’m not wearing anything from Bon March,’ I huffed.
‘Don’t be daft, it’s just a plain cammy, it could be from anywhere.’
Do you think I was a bit snobby Mum?
‘No you weren’t, you just didn’t like shopping and to be fair Bon March was more for older ladies like me.’
Like me now!
Despite the cold and the crowds of people rushing around, I did enjoy your company you know. I might have looked miserable at times but there’s actually nothing quite like walking up the brew with your Mum, a Greggs sausage roll in one hand and five bags of last minute bargains banging into the sides of your legs.
In the rain.
We’re very northern aren’t we Mum?
‘Ooh we’re are that Love. I didn’t like you eating a sausage roll in the street though. I used to tell you to wait till you got home or at least to eat it discretely in one of the ginnels at the top of Market Street.’
You always thought eating hot food in the streets was vulgar. I tried to tell you it was actually quite cultured and would eventually help change your mind on the alfresco food debate. Do you remember tucking into juicy bratwurst’s together at the German Markets in Manchester?
‘I do Love, cost a bomb though. Good size sausage, not enough bread.’
God I miss you.
‘I miss you too Love, don’t forget I’ve got the best Birds Eye view now though will you?’
I won’t.
Do you ever see me standing still and looking up into the sky sometimes, you know, hoping to catch a glimpse of you or at least a shooting star or something?
‘I do Love, so much bloody cloud up North though, you just can’t see me waving, you’ll just have to take my word for it.’
I Love you Mum, Merry Christmas.
‘I Love you too Queen, now go and have fun.’
Yes Mum,
Love as always,
Queen x
18/12/2023