Love and admiration: A Mother’s Day interview with Margaret and Samantha

“She’s my world.”

There is just something about mothers and daughters. It’s the first relationship we ever experience and as a result, it can be hard to find the words to describe that often-unspoken bond that still speaks volumes. This Mother’s Day mother and daughter Margaret Palmer, 75, and Samantha Mohammed, 47, reveal all on their mother-daughter bond.

Margaret, an ExtraCare retirement village resident, and Samantha a PSA (Personal Support Assistant) who works at her mum’s village answered six questions. They shared their favourite memories, what they’ve learned from one another, and how they find working and living at Hagley Road Village.

What is your favourite memory of each other?

MP: Gosh there are lots, I would honestly say the day she was born.

SM: When I was younger, I used to finish dance class on a Saturday afternoon, come home, and mum would teach me how to jive. All my friends would also meet at my house after school and have a cup of tea with my mum.

What is your favourite quality in one another?

MP: She always makes my day because she’s so jolly, pleasant, and I love her so much.

SM: Being true to herself.

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What do you think is the biggest positive of both of you being at the same location?

MP: Well, I think she spreads sunshine to everybody; she cheers everybody up. I get to see her more often now, not all the time because she’s busy, but I think it’s lovely. It just brightens everything up and she’s so caring and loving and wants to help people.

SM: That mum socialises, and all her needs are well catered for.

How long have you lived/worked in the village?

MP: Three and a half years.

SM: Three months.

What is the most important thing you have each learned from one another over the years?

MP: I’d say sometimes she can be wiser than I can be.

SM: To be honest and true to yourself.

What do you think is the secret to a good mother/daughter relationship?

MP: Being honest with each other. We just love each other so much and always being there for one another, she’s my world.

SM: To be honest with each other through good and bad times.