Mum always encouraged me to think before I spoke or acted and to be aware of the impact of my actions on others. I'm pretty fiery and impulsive - she knew I'd be headed for trouble as I grew up if I didn't learn to curb that tendency. The memory that stands out best is when I was 5 years old. On holiday one summer in a caravan, I got chicken pox - a bad dose of it. I can still remember how uncomfortable I was 30 odd years later! I had my favourite doll with me and in order to distract me, Mum made my doll some new clothes. A little dress and pants. We were on holiday. I don't know how she got the stuff to do it, but she produced these things anyway. Looking at them now as an adult, I am overcome. Not only are they good-as-new, but the hand-sewn stitching is perfect, even and looks almost like machine work. I know each stitch was set with love...it's a tangible reminder of how much I was loved by her and how much she cared for me in practical ways.