Today is Mother's Day in the UK. Let's take a moment to honor those amazing heroes who help heal the world and touch our hearts. Let's dive into a special Mother's Day tribute that highlights the incredible connection between a renowned nurse mom Susie Lagrata and her daughter Antoinette (Anette) Lagrata. It's all about passing on caring and compassion from one generation to the next, creating a legacy of love and strength. Join us in celebrating this extraordinary woman who not only takes care of others but also builds a foundation of compassion within her own family. This is a heartfelt look at the unique and inspiring story that unfolds when nursing becomes more than just a job—it becomes a family legacy.
To my Dearest Mother,
Happy Mother’s Day!
Where do I begin? There are so many things I want to tell you, but first and foremost, I want to convey my deepest gratitude. Since my earliest memories, you've been my unwavering supporter, and to say I am grateful for you is an understatement.
Your impact on my life is immeasurable. The sacrifices you've made, not just for me but for our entire family, resonate deeply with me. I can't fathom how challenging it must have been to leave your life in the Philippines at the age of 23, embarking on a journey as an internationally educated nurse, and leaving your new family and one-year-old baby behind. Reflecting on this now, I am profoundly humbled and eternally grateful for the sacrifices you made, paving the way for us to live a better life.
Your selflessness, always putting yourself last, speaks volumes about your love for those you hold dear.
Juggling two small kids and working 12-hour shifts as a nurse, you faced numerous hardships. Yet, I witnessed you navigate through challenges with a smile and kindness, defining the remarkable person you are. Even when you are exhausted, you never failed to show Gabriel and me what true love is, providing us with everything we needed, and more, even if it meant you and Dad had the bare minimum.
Thank you, Mum, for always being there for me. Your guidance, your instinct for what is best, and your teachings about life's essentials have shaped me.
You've been the strength and rock in our family, allowing us to achieve what we aspire to, all because of the sacrifices and hardships you endured for us.
After saying all this. I want to finish off by saying. Mum, you are a true inspiration to me, the embodiment of what I aspire to be in my nursing career and as a mother to my future children. Even if I achieve just half of what you are, I'll consider it a significant accomplishment.
You personify kindness, love, and happiness—all rolled into one extraordinary individual. I am profoundly thankful that God has blessed me to be your daughter. Happy Mother's Day— I love you immensely!
Love xxx
your anak, Anette
Annette also shared things that she thinks we can all relate to growing up with a Mum Nurse, which would be like: "having unpredictable schedules; all your mom's colleagues know your name but you don't know theirs; having an elite medicine cupboard at home; "Agency work" means mum won't be home; having an early understanding and embracing empathy and compassion from a very young age; you know when you are not allowed to make any noise when your mum is on 3-4 consecutive night shifts; you can never fake sickness and get away with it; sharing your one and only mum to other hundreds/thousands of different patients; knowing medical jargon at a very young age; and you celebrate holidays on different days.
More probable than not, every single child whose mum is a Nurse or a Carer can certainly relate if not to all of the above mentioned but can speak truth to most of it. So as we approach the end of our Mother's Day tribute, let's carry the warmth and love with us shared by Anette. This story reminds us that in a nurse mom's care, a legacy of healing is born, inspiring the next generation to join the profession of empathy, kindness, and care. Whether it's a comforting touch or a shared passion for healing, let's celebrate the incredible women shaping the future of nursing with love and compassion, happy Mother's Day to all the guiding lights leaving a lasting impact on the world through generations of healing hands.