A Tribute to My Beautiful Mum by Philip Naghten

A Tribute to My Beautiful Mum

by Philip Naghten

Shimo

Mum & Philip

What can I say about Mrs Chu my mother-in-law, she was cheerful, happy, unique, and endearing, she had an infectious smile and such a calm and loveable soul.

From the moment I first met her, she took me into her home, made me a cup of tea, unfortunately, it was Chinese tea with milk, but she soon rectified that by going out in the middle of night, and finding some good old fashion English teabags, having never bought those in her life, but she made me a grand cuppa. That was just one example of how she would put herself out to make you feel at home, comfortable, warm, and more.

Mrs Chu and I had a great relationship, we could not speak each other’s language, but never prevented us from communicating, she had that special ability wherever she went. I call her Shimo, which is Panda in Chinese, it is disrespectful to not call your mother-in-law Mum in China, but I explained that I had one of those, she cheerfully accepted her name, that suited her down to the ground, as she was a cuddly bundle of love.

Mrs Chu loved to be outside whenever she got the opportunity, and everyone knew her, we have lived in Worcester Park for many years, Furong and I hardly know anyone, whereas Mrs Chu knew everyone, all the neighbours, the bus drivers, the staff in the local shops she visited, the only person she did not know was her doctor, and that is why it was such a shock that she was taken so suddenly, she would have been pragmatic and said it was my time, and tried to prepare us for the next stage of our life.

She had a wonderful playfulness, was very competitive, whether it was playing mini golf or picking the winner of the Grand National, she was fiercely proud especially when China won another gold medal at the Olympics, and mocking if Britain managed a 10th place, but always done with a smile and twinkle in her eye.

A little lady with a huge heart, who leaves a massive gap in our life and will be solely missed.