hilda fish, my 2005 Secret Santa,

I am totally amazed. About 15 years ago, give or take a few years, I had the privilege of hearing your mother speak at a small gathering at Maitland City Library. When I saw her name here and saw that she is your mother I was overwhelmed, and transported instantly back to that event. In my mind I see a woman, who on the outside just looks like anybody's Mum, but who, when she opens her mouth to speak, opens up a whole new world in people's heads, a new way of looking at life and of relating to other people.

I couldn't tell you the exact words she spoke on that evening but I can tell you that I can still feel her love, and her strength and her endurance, and above all her determination to find the good in everyone, everything and life in general.

Hearing your mother speak has been a highlight of my life, even though it was only for an hour or so.   

Thank you, hilda fish, for sharing your thoughts on your mother with us, and please thank your mother, Ruby, for being who she is and sharing that with others.

Helen