Our inseparable bonds to our moms

As Mother’s Day approaches, we spoke to three well-known people in the community about the special woman in their lives — their mother.

The questions were the same: What advice do you wish you had followed? What qualities do you wish you hadn’t inherited from mom? Reveal a childhood secret that mom has never known about. If you could give your mom anything in the world, what would it be?

Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, otherwise known as Power Girl, former CEO for Bermuda Chamber of Commerce Cheryl Packwood, and cricketer Lionel Cann were all up for the challenge.

• Patrina O’Connor- Paynter on her mother, Patricia O’Connor:

Advice I should have followed:When I was younger she used to always tell me to eat healthy and exercise now else when I reached her age I would have health issues. Well, when I was younger I used to eat like a pig because I was skinny and never seemed to gain weight. 

However, once I reached 30 I started to see exactly what she was talking about and had to make some serious changes in my diet and lifestyle. 

The trait I wish I hadn’t inherited: Talking too much. When I was in high school I used to get into trouble for talking in class. However it was confirmed that my mom used to get in the same type of trouble when she went to The Berkeley Institute. 

She was never a gossip or a mean person, she just talked too much! 

Unfortunately, this trait has been passed down to me.  The good thing is I have learned how to tame it a bit and have learned how to listen. 

 Childhood secret: My friend and I were camping at Shelly Bay with her family during a holiday and we decided that we were going to Loyal Hill to a session.   

Of course, I didn’t tell my mama because she wouldn’t let me go anyway and my friend didn’t tell hers either. 

I don’t know what lie we told but... We had a ball! Nuclear Weapon was playing. We tried to leave early so we wouldn’t get into trouble however we didn’t have any transportation. 

So at 1am in the morning we were walking from Loyal Hill to Shelly Bay.

My friend’s mama was out in her car looking for us and caught us in the act.

I was nervous that she was going to tell my mama, the funny part is that she never did.

 What I would give her: I would make it so that my mom would never have to work another day in her life. This would give her the flexibility to do the things she has always wanted to do. 

I would also get her a lucrative record deal and arrange for her to go on tour so that she could share her beautiful voice and message with the rest of the world. 

I would like to see her dreams come true. She deserves it.

• Cheryl Packwood on her mother, Dorothy:

Best advice: My mother was very much of a hippie, artist type. She encouraged me to step out-of-the -box and not be a conformist. She never forced her beliefs on me but instead she allowed me to explore. She encouraged different opinions and pushed me to read and research before coming to a conclusion on any topic.

Childhood secret: I cannot say that there was advice I should have followed or qualities I wish I had not inherited from my mother. I did not keep secrets to the extent there was nothing really to hide because my mother did not raise me in a judgmental environment.

What I would give her: I wish I could give her back her mind and make her whole again. She lives with Alzheimer’s. I look at a woman who was brilliant, who read extensively and explored the world and who today can barely remember her family. My mother left Toronto in 1945 by bus and travelled to New York City where she put herself through university, obtaining a BA in Fine Arts and a Masters in Library Science. She stretched herself, her mind and those who were fortunate to be part of her circle of friends. Indeed, my father was the man he was because of her. All she ever wanted for me was to stretch myself to reach for the top.

• Lionel Cann on his mother, Judy Williams:

Advice I should have followed: I wish I would have followed mom’s advice when it came to back talking teachers in school. I always found myself in principal’s office or detention. Still today I am very outspoken but I do take mom’s advice much better!

When it comes to love, mom always hung in there through thick and thin. No matter the problem, her love always conquered! One day I hope I can get married and give the ultimate sacrifice.

Childhood secret: With four brothers and one sister, someone always did something wrong. When that happened everyone got licks except my sister. So me and my brothers always use to give my sister licks without mom
knowing.

What I would give her: My mom has worked hard her whole life to support her six kids. I would love to give my mom $5 million dollars so she can just travel the world and not worry about anything but whatever she wants to do. I have the greatest mom in the world and I love her so much. Happy Mother’s Day Mom!