It has been a long, hard year for everybody. Although we speak daily over the web, I haven’t met my parents physically in months, and to be frank I feel their absence. I have always been close to my parents: we are a close, tactile family in which hugs were always at the ready when needed. Today of all days, I am missing my mum. I miss her cuddles and kisses, her infectious laughter, jokes and wit, and especially her delicious cooking. I know it won’t be too long now until we can meet again, but today I just want to note how much I miss my mum, as well as just how much she means to me. I know I’m not always the best of sons, particularly when it comes to sending cards, but I know how lucky I am to have her. Happy Mother’s Day mum; I’ll see you soon.