I agree with the posters who remind us about the importance of fathers (for those of us lucky enough to have one)
I loved my mum and enjoyed her company. She had a zest for life and encouraged to to enjoy the day, what ever it brought. She was funny, creative. Painting, drawing, sculpting, embroidery, sewing, batik, you name it, she did it. She was a stay at home mum, like everyone else I knew. We were well cared for physically and emotionally. I was with her when she died and will always be grateful for that.
Dad was less emotionally / practically involved on a day to day basis. He worked long hours. He was actively involved in every holiday, encouraged us to do well at sports, but laughed like a drain when the Gym teacher told him she didn't know the daughter whose parents evening it was. Middle daughter was never sporty and how blessed we were that he didn't come home raging. He had a quiet word though.
Increasingly, I'm aware of the influence both my parents had on my developing personality. I learned a lot from them, especially those things I didn't want to repeat!