Our stories are made up of many chapters. 

It’s true that some of those chapters sing with cheerfulness and others paint portraits of pain. What is absolutely true for every single one of our stories is that they all started with our mothers. 

A mother is always the beginning. 

Always.

 And although there is no way to be a perfect mother – there are a thousand ways of being a great one.

In this feature we have collected some of these ways.

These moments of gratitude are from daughters who recall what their mothers gave them. Gifts that have served as a model and metaphor in their own stories. Thank you for these honest contributions.

My mother gave me a mirror. She always reminded me to look in that mirror when I felt sorry for myself and see how unattractive self-pity is. This has been a gift that has served me well throughout my own life as a strong and others-focused mother. Jacqui

My mother gave me strength. She taught me what being a strong woman really means and how to just put on those ‘big girl panties’ and dig deep. For me she epitomizes what real, raw strength means! Deborah

My mother taught me independence and to always earn some money of my own. She also taught me how to fold plastic shopping bags into neat little triangles. Louise

 Mom gave me her leg warmers. She always told me, “Don’t forget to dance!” Michele 

 My mom taught me that you can’t buy happiness and you can’t buy class. Never go to bed bad friends.  And always put your husband first before your children. Be a solid united front as parents and never let your kids play one parent against the other. Bridget

 My mom gave me her banana bread & pancake recipes. I couldn’t live with out them!  Leighanne

 My mother gave me an old dress that belonged to her.  When she died I made cushion covers out of it. These decorate my little home and add so much colour! They're a wonderful reminder of the joy she added to my life and to the lives of so many others.  She loved to make things beautiful and these cushions remind me to do the same! Michele

 My mother gave me all her recipes - as well as my granny's recipes. These wholesome meals live on in endless moments of meals shared around our table with loved ones. This gift continues to nourish us all in so many ways! Deborah

 My mother gave me the ability to persevere. I watched her struggle with illness for years and she never lost faith and hope. She always remained positive and taught me what real endurance means. I miss her so much!  Michele

 My wonderful Mum has given me the gift of unconditional love and grace. Thank you Mum for teaching me about listening, loving no matter what and being gracious in how you treat ALL people! Julia

 My mother gave me the ability to love people I hate. Anon

What my mom gave me is 100% honesty!! I love that and I do the same with my kids! She was also never ever late when fetching me from school or parties or anywhere, she was completely 100% reliable and I try to do same with my kids too. Maryanne

 My mother sewed a quilt for me that was such a comfort when my husband died.  Joyce

My mother gave me a very expensive necklace. With this she showed me generosity. Years later I was able to give that necklace away to someone who needed it more than I did and I know my Mum would be proud of the legacy she instilled in me.  Maria

 My mother always gave me bottles of colourful nail polish and taught me to embrace the fun in life by keeping my nails bright and interesting. Rita

 My mother gave me unfailing support. She always believed - and still believes - that I can do or be anything that I want to. She is my biggest supporter and is convinced that there is nothing that I cannot do. She once said to me, "One day you will be on the cover of Forbes magazine.." I remember laughing at her words, but now I think that perhaps I might make it onto that cover one day. Lisa

My mother gave me unconditional love, she never withheld her love in anyway and I am so grateful for this. Julia

 My mother gave me a feeling. By this I mean that without words my mother would convey so much to me. A small tickle of my toes, a gentle rub at the base of my back or a soft touch to my face would speak volumes. It made me feel safe, gave me a sense of home and most of all silently spoke love to me. Helen