Honouring the legacy of our late mothers this Mother's Day

“In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

The loss of the most pivotal people in our lives is most deeply felt in times of celebration.

While a lot of kids – little and grown-up – are putting together their Mother's Day gifts, others – in tearful sadness – are reminded once again of the missing piece of their hearts. 

Regardless of status or position in life, no-one is exempt from grief, as actress Angelina Jolie so poignantly demonstrated in a speech she gave while accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award back in 2013. 

• Also see: Tear-jerker song for mother who died of cancer goes viral 

She praised her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who she sadly lost to ovarian and breast cancer in 2007.

This close to Mother's Day, her words take on a special meaning of how remembering and embracing the cherished ideals of our departed mothers, and the example they left, is a special way of honouring them. 

• Also see: What Mother's Day means 

Recounting the endearing support she received from her mom while in the pursuit of her acting dreams she said: 

"She supported any crazy thing I did... drove me to every audition, and she would wait in the car for hours, always [making] me feel really good all the times I didn't get the job.

"She wasn't really the best critic since she never had anything unkind to say, but she did give me love and confidence, and above all, she was very clear that nothing would mean anything if I didn't live a life of use to others. 

"And I didn't know what that meant for a long time... and it was only when I began to travel and look and live beyond my home, that I understood my responsibility to others.

"I don't know why this is my life... but I will do as my mother asked, and I will do the best I can with this life. To be of use.

"And to stand here today means that I did as she asked. And if she were alive, she'd be very proud."

Watch the full tear-jerking speech below: 

What did you admire most about your mother? Do you have any special traditions around Mother's Day to honour your late mother's memory? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous. 
 
Read more:

• "50 moms, 50 kids, 1 extra chromosome": moms do carpool karaoke for World Down Syndrome Day 
• "All birth mothers: We salute you"  
• Celebrating 22 extraordinary moms 

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