Wednesday, March 25, 2020
The beautiful life of my mother (Sarah Frost-Brookes)
It all began when my father, a pilot with the Canadian navy was on leave in Northern Ireland and asked my mother to dance. He knew a good thing when he saw it. When he asked if he could walk her home, of course my mother in her proud Irish manner said no. My father, the cocky fellow that he was followed her home anyway and the next day introduced himself to her mother. The rest is history. The courtship lasted for several years with my father off at sea, but eventually mum came to Canada as a young bride and my parents began their 67 years of life together.
The life that my mother and father had together was something out of a Hollywood movie. The big difference however was my parents marriage lasted, unlike most.
Growing up in Ancaster, I remember seeing my parents go off to lavish theme parties with friends. One of the most memorable of those was a party where my mother wore lobster tails that were wired to light up when she hit a switch. They had many friends, but their best friends were each other
My parents were magnificent dancers. They were so good that on their honeymoon in London, that a wealthy American was so taken with their dancing that he invited them to dinner and eventually meeting Bob Hope at a night club. They were magnificent together both on and off the dance floor.
My mother was a woman who dedicated her life to her husband and family. She had high expectations for all of us but none that were higher than those she had for herself. She was highly protective of her family. The standards and expectations as a child growing up were about working hard, begin gracious, always doing the right thing no matter what everyone else was doing, being kind, polite, and never lowering your own standard of behaviour.
Mum was a very cultured lady who had a love of art, ballet, music, and played the harp. An incredibly artistic and gracious lady she had a keen eye for interior decorating, style and fashion.
Mum lived her life always giving to others. She always put the needs of others first, even during the last few years of her life. When she was in the hospital a few years ago, even though she was incredibly weak and very sick, she would be heard talking to the staff asking them when they would be able to go home and be with their families. Mum was always asking if Wilson our dog had been fed, and if the grandchildren Rebecca, Frances McCullaugh and Harry were looked after.
My mum had eyes that twinkled and although she was a prim and proper lady, she had a wonderful sense of humour. She was a beautiful person both inside and out. I am so lucky to have had her as my mother.
My mum dedicated her life to loving others, particularly her family and all the many friends in our lives. She gave to others unconditionally. Mum always seemed to know the right thing to do, no matter how challenging the circumstance. Her compassion towards others was truly exemplary and is a goal I ll work hard to follow for the rest of my life.
