Today I’d just like to wish my mum a wonderful sixtieth birthday. She and dad are away at the moment, so I might not get to speak to her today, so I’ll say this here: my mother is the most wonderful mum anyone could ever wish for. I know I’m not always the most cooperative of sons; I can be downright awkward at times. But I also know my mum will always be there for me, and that her infinite, unconditional love is a constant source of power for me. These days, mum and I only see each other in the flesh every few months or so. We talk weekly on Skype, of course, chats I look forward to; but that is not the same as sitting at a table with mum with a cup of tea, catching up with the family news. Nor is it the same as standing next to her, cuddling her, feeling the same loving, tender, reassuring embrace that you felt throughout your childhood – an embrace which told you in an instant that, no matter how dire the situation, no matter how deep the cut or big the mess you had made, mum was there so everything would be okay. Those are the cuddles which remind you that you are loved, and they’re the thing I look forward to most every time I see mum. I hope mum knows that I love her too, just as much, and how lucky I feel to have her as my mother – I wouldn’t be where I am today, or have done any of the amazing things I’ve experienced, without her. Happy birthday mum – have a great day.