Marisa Micallef Leyson

(Chairperson, Housing Authority)

“The most important things I got from my Mum, Gloria...

To question things and not assume everything you are told or taught is right or that it is the only angle on anything;

To discuss and argue the point but not to dislike the person because you don’t agree with their point of view;

To stick up for yourself;

That a girl’s brain is as capable as any boy’s;

To always go forward and never look back;

To talk things through and not bottle things up;

To give all I can to my little daughter;

What you get back from that kind of giving is beyond any words.”

Helena Dalli

(MP)

“My mother has influenced me by doing, rather than by saying. She has shown us (me and my siblings) the way by example; by being a selfless, kind, smart, disciplined person.

She has a good sense of humour, has always been dependable and very loving.

She is also a perfectionist and has always encouraged us to put in that extra bit of effort to do things to the best of our ability; “mill-hazin ghat-tajjeb m’hemm xejn” she’s always saying.

She never pushed us into doing anything, but always encouraged us to do well, whatever it is that we are doing.

I really admire her and I strive to be more like her. If I had had the choice, I would have chosen her to be my mother.”

Dr Mary Darmanin

(Senior lecturer in Sociology of Education)

“My mother, Rosa and I have very different personalities yet also have a lot in common. She is sweet and even-tempered while I am rather more volatile!

She was a full-time mother to the three children she had in her forties. For both of us, our children are our favourite companions but we also greatly enjoy our “girl” friends. We love a good novel and share our books. Cooking comes naturally to us both.

To our constant surprise though this is a daily occurrence, we find we are always in the same colours on the same day! My mother will be 90 this year while I will be 50. She is very interested in world and local news though she has not chosen to be in public life as I have. She is an excellent bridge player and is always a good company.”

Helen D’Amato

(Parliamentary secretary for the elderly and community care)

“My mother has always been and still is a great inspiration to me. Her energy and commitment to the family (notwithstanding that she is 72 years old) puts me to shame!

As a student she always was beside me and my brothers and sister. She helped me with my French and my brother with his Latin. It was only much later that we both realised that she knew neither of the two languages! She has taught me to be practical, flexible and sensitive to other peoples’ needs.

When I was going to take up a political career she was not too pleased. But when she realised that it was something that I wanted to do – she stood beside me and supported me to the full. She is the best PR and canvasser that anyone could have!

I hope that one day my daughter and my sons can say the same about me as far as my performance as a mother goes.”