Roderick Agius.Roderick Agius.

Marta Vella was born on May 12, 1990, which happened to be Mother’s Day. The event hints at the strong bond between the young actress and her mother Josette Ciappara, atheatre director.

“For as long as I can remember it has always been us two - so me and the madre have always been very close,” says Marta. “From a young age I knew she wasn’t like the other mums.”

When Marta was still in primary school, her mother was the only working mother from her class. “Picking me up from school meant I was always the last child there, waiting alone inside the headmaster’s office – which I absolutely hated. She took me with her everywhere she went; I vividly remember doing my homework during her rehearsals and sleeping in the theatre till the early hours of the morning during production week.”

Daniel Cauchi.Daniel Cauchi.

But it was also Marta’s mother who raised her to be independent and accountable for her actions. “She always had to work harder than anyone I knew to provide for us. Life threw us a few curveballs but as hard as it’s been, we’ve bounced back. I won’t lie, there were times when I craved for ‘normal’ but, the older I grew, the more I realized how normal isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps that’s the biggest lesson my mother has taught me, to embrace your quirks because they are what sets you apart.”

This Mother’s Day will be particularly tough for Marta’s mum as earlier this year she lost her mother Rose and her sister Anna. But, at least, her daughter Marta understands. “My nanna and my aunt are missed every day and even more on days like these.”

A newborn Immanuel Misfud.A newborn Immanuel Misfud.

National TV station newcaster Keith Demicoli was also raised mainly by his mum, after his dad passed away at the age of 31. “I have very fond loving memories of the quality times my mum spent with me and my brother. It was and, to a certain extent still is, a very special relationship which during the past three decades has changed considerably.”

The years that followed his father’s death were difficult, says Keith. “Notwithstanding, it the end it was not bad as my mum put me and my brother her number one priority 24 on seven. I vividly remember the sacrifices she made for us, particularly the first time I went abroad.

“It was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to play for a selected Maltese football team in an international tournament in Finland. My mum did not have enough money to pay for my fare. She did whatever it took, including selling her only car to collect the money and make sure I didn’t miss this opportunity. In her very own way, she helped me understand the real meaning of love.”

Marta Vella and their mothers.Marta Vella and their mothers.

Keith attributes his characteristic sturdy optimism to his upbringing. “I owe my mum for always encouraging me and nurturing my ambitions. It is because of her and other wonderful people who came along - such as my wife and daughter - that I am able to stand here and make the most of this very short but beautiful life.”

For writer Immanuel Mifsud, his mother was also a central figure in his childhood, mainly because his father, being in the army, was away for many days, sometimes months.

“My mother, Vincienne Delezio, was a typical working class Bormliża who got married on February 15 of 942, some months before turning 19.” Her wedding reception and wedding night took place in a bomb shelter, because on that day the enemy warplanes did not pause from raiding the island.

“I was very close to my mother, much closer than I was to dad. As I grew up I realised that I had to admire besides love her: she raised my very naughty seven siblings almost singlehandedly.

“And when her seven kids grew up and it was time for her to rest and start enjoying life, she got pregnant again – with me – at age 44. She was a very humble and meek person who would be ready to apologise to someone stepping on her toes.”

Unfortunately, her last five years of life were a prolonged agony, says Immanuel. “My mother died two nights before Christmas 2000 and her funeral was held on Christmas eve, late afternoon. The irony of going out of the Addolorata with colourful lights and carols played in the background was quite penetrating.”

He still cherishes her memory. “I do have a happy memory of her which I cherish: it was graduation day for my first degree. I had never seen my mother as happy as on that day.”

For Big Band Brothers frontman and musician Daniel Cauchi, his mother was both a mum and teacher – literally.

“My mother worked as a kindergarten assistant; she started working when I was four years old and mine was her first class. That is probably the first memory I have of my her. She was my teacher as well as my mother and I saw her both at home as well as at school.”

Most of his memories of her are interlinked with music. “My mother plays the violin so most of my memories are related to music: I remember when the arrival of the piano, looking for drum teachers etc.”

One particular memory he remembers clearly was his application to the National Youth Orchestra. By a fluke, although he sent his application within deadline, it arrived a little late. “My mother phoned the general manager to insist that the application had been sent to arrive on time. Several years later, I work full-time with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Had it not been for her phone call, this might not have happened,” he says.

Ever since Daniel has had his own son, his relationship with his mother has matured. “To my parents it feels like they have another son – I notice their behaviour with him and think that that is the way they must have been with me. I don’t recall much of my childhood - but in some way, through my son, I am now reliving the childhood I had with my parents.”

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