Happy Birthday Mum

Even on the blog I'm belated. But I still have to post this.
Yesteday was my Mum's birthday (note correct spelling of Mum for non-Americans). It is so difficult being on the other side of the world from my parents - all I can do is chip in with my siblings to buy some flowers and a short phone call. I haven't seen my parents in over 7 years! That is hard (it is even harder for them because they haven't ever seen most of their grandchildren, and certainly haven't had a chance to spend much time with any of them).