She's a real lady but she's tough and in her quiet resolute way she has, with immense determination, overcome this latest hurdle. Her resolute attitude has been incredible to watch and even inspirational.
Her matter-of-fact "this is where we are, let's get on with it" approach is remarkable.
This recent illness included a 12-hour operation and, unbeknown to us all, there were many complications to follow. Regardless of what was thrown at her, and the pain, discomfort and uncertainty of the following weeks, she kept a steadfast mindset of constantly moving forward.
Now home, this driven approach continues: she is the Queen of Goal Setting. Whether it's climbing her stairs or a small outing, she has astounded us all with her weekly progress.
Recently I was interviewed by Jake Millar, a young entrepreneur in New Zealand. He asked me about achieving success and overcoming hurdles in business.
Having watched my mother over the past eight months I've realised the huge impact she has had on me in my approach to business.
She has always thought this way and it has rubbed off on me. We can't change what has already occurred so consider the options before you, choose and move forward.
In most people's lives, mothers are our earliest role models and, of course, once we are adults we are all able to choose our attitudes and adjust our behaviour If we are honest with ourselves, there exists our mother's influence in all of us.
I'm incredibly thankful that we have a wonderful role model in our mum and I wish I could be with her today.
Mother's Day will be emotional for many people, especially those whose mothers have died. It is important to include these people today in our celebrations.
Often forgotten, however, are those who have lost children. They are still mothers in every sense of the word but perhaps face the hardest time of all today. Our thoughts are with you also.
Happy Mother's Day, Mum, and to all Kiwi mums, you are such important people in us and to our society.
