♥️

by .

This post won’t be going out on Twitter or Facebook. It’s just for the real ones that find the site every day because they’ve been coming here for years, so I hope you’ll indulge me 3 minutes of your time.

It’s my Mum’s birthday today. She passed on January 3rd after a short illness. I know many of you have shared your experiences of grief in the comments, so I thought it’d only be fair if I shared mine, because it’s really hard, and sometimes it’s comforting to know you are not alone. There’s also no greater honor than having thousands of people read about what an awesome person you were and how much you were loved.

My Mum wasn’t an Arsenal fan. In fact, she was the anti-Arsenal-fan. Use of the word ‘Arsenal’ or any of the associated trigger words for ‘Gooner chat’ were prohibited at family events. I don’t think she ever went to a game, she never wore a shirt, and she would never indulge a conversation about the electric on-field chemistry between Dennis Bergkamp and Freddie Ljungberg.

But she loved that I loved it. She’d tune into a radio station if I had 12 seconds of airtime to talk about Arsene Wenger. She’d collect newspaper clippings if I had something in The Times or a fancy magazine. She’d loosely brag about the things I was doing to anyone that would listen, even if she had absolutely no idea what they were.

Everyone needs someone like that in their life and I was lucky enough to have that in my mum. Total support for a passion she didn’t understand.

I like to write about philosophy, culture, and values when it comes to Arsenal. Today, I’m going to share a few things I learned from her.

Be good to people when it counts. Life is short, petty grievances feel bigger than they are, you never know what is around the corner. Pride is overrated. Empathy isn’t a weakness. Kindness is never wasted, regardless of how it’s received. You won’t ever regret a conversation with a loved one. So make the effort when it counts.

Let your people know you are in their corner. We live in a world engineered for connection that can feel incredibly lonely. Be a reliable person to those you love. You never know what that can mean to the person on the other side of that gesture.

Say yes to everything. My mum was usually my brain trust on new opportunities, her answer was always, ‘yes, do it, you’ll never regret an adventure’… sounds cliche, but I’ve said yes to a whole bunch of dumb stuff and I don’t even regret the bad yeses. Yes has opened the door to a better life and I am thankful every day that she always shoved me in the right direction.

No sad faces. She believed that a life was better lived with a smile on your face. In her last month, that was her one instruction if you were at her side, no sad faces. I’ve never witnessed strength like it. Having your happy life cut short with no bitterness, sadness, or complaints. The only thing she wanted to talk about was weddings she wouldn’t attend and grandkids she wouldn’t meet. That is real power and I couldn’t be prouder or more inspired by it.

Final value. One that I want you to take very seriously if you can. I once went a few weeks without calling her, she called me and said, ‘Pete, real men call their mum.’

… and I always did.

Thank you for reading.

Love you dearly, Mum x

P.S. There’s no greater buzz than showing your mum a piece of work you’ve made and her loving it. This was the last bit that I showed her and she showed it to her friends when they’d go to see her. The poem is about new beginnings and optimism. Kind of beautiful. Xx

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Guns of Hackney

Peter

I too lost my mum last July. It’s brutal but it changes over time.

Peace.

Peter Allen

Very profound thoughts from a very devoted son. She would be proud beyond words.

Cygan

Beautiful post, Thanks for sharing.

“Real men call their Mum” I love that statement, it’s so true!

James

Pedro. Never really commented on here but always an avid reader. Mums are the most special people in our lives. I’m in aus and my mum had an aneurysm in the uk a few weeks ago. Luckily with help from the British embassy I managed to get back to say my goodbyes. It was the hardest and saddest thing I’ve ever done, sitting at her bedside and telling her it’s ok to go. To all the people on here, if you still have your parents, give them a hug and tell them you love them because you never know when… Read more »

Mog

I read most days but hardly ever comment
Sorry to hear about your loss. Mother’s are the best mate you’ll ever have.
My thoughts are with you.

Matt B

So sorry for your loss Pedro — what a lovely eulogy for your wonderful mum

I lost my dad 2 years ago, so I know what you’re going through

Nkute Hogan

My condolences Pedro

Bob N16

Peace and love Pedro

Vintage Gun

A gift of a post on your ma’s birthday Pete. Powerful read.

Top man for still managing to churn out post after post in light of what you are dealing with. Really respect you for that.

All the best to you and yours Pete

Shadowself

Regular reader here. We are relational beings, and for me, connections are one of the most important things we have. It sounds like you had that with you mum Pedro. Thanks for sharing your words. It certainly puts the game (and team) we love into perspective.

Salud.

Johng

Pedro your Mum sounds like a very wise and loving person.
She must be a great miss to all who knew her

Nelson

David.D

Partey scored to give Ghana tte ticket to the World Cup. Canada is also in. Hope that they can surprise some teams.

Mee

Great post. Lost my mum late 2020. This brought back so many memories. Bye Mama

Canonier

Thank you so much for sharing this and bringing your mom also into our hearts!

LoveSausage

I’m very sorry for your loss Pedro. Your mom sounds like a wonderful person.

Samir

Condolences to you Pedro, lovely post! Thank you for all the hard work you put into this blog.

shblando

what a beautiful and wonderful person, thanks for sharing, and thank you for instilling your blog with humanity, it is always refreshing to read especially when so much online media seems devoid of it these days…love to you and your beautiful mum!

Andy B

Hi Pedro,
Sorry to hear about your mum. It’s hard when you lose a parent, I feel for you mate. I’ve been there and I know how much it hurts.
I’ve not commented on here for years but I do read your posts everyday, and have done since the early days. I met up with you once for a beer before a game, you’re a top bloke, keep up the good work and stay strong my friend.

Gommit

I am truly sorry for your loss Peter!
And thanks for sharing, your mom sounds and looks like a real gem.
The reading brough tears to my eyes and brought up my own memories of loved ones that have past away. It is always difficult, but they never really leave you, especially not the ones that you loved and respected and learn from.

I must admit that I am really amazed how you managed to write articles about refs and the Arsenal way during the time of her passing. Big love to you and your family.

Temix_9ja

I have followed Legrove Religiously for over 12 to 14years now and this is my first ever comment, I couldn’t let this post go

Pedro, I sincerely commiserate with you and your family on the loss of your obviously super mom! I have done a screenshot of her values and intend to integrate them into my life.
Well done bro, well done!

andy1886

Best wishes to you and your family Pedro, the pain may never completely ease but it sounds like you are left with many wonderful memories.

Trickeygooner

I can’t remember the last time I commented, bloody years ago but I always read the site.
Much love to you Pedro great post. Xxx
I lost my mum 20 years ago this year and I still think of her every day. Mum was a Liverpool fan. She love Steve Heighway’s legs. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Alan S

Sorry for your loss Pedro, a beautiful tribute that would have made your mum proud!

Kegunner

Sad to hear the news. Pedro.

NORG

Pedro

A wonderful photo of your Mum – one that will always be treasured I am sure. It is especially special as the photo also contains the taker – her son. I am sure in years to come this photo will help to restore your happy memories together.

DigitalBob

Beautiful post Pedro, greatly appreciated! I’m sincerely sorry for your loss, much love to you and anyone that’s gone/going through the same.

GillespieRoadNoMore

Well said Pedro, our mothers have given us so much, it is only when they are gone that you can truly appreciate the enormity of a mothers love. Your Mum sounds like a diamond, live your life with a smile in her honour.

Femi

❤️❤️

Goldkamp

❤️❤️❤️

Tunde

My condolences Pete. May her soul continue to rest in perfect peace

AFC Forever

Sorry about your Mum passing Pete. Lovely picture, she will be very proud of you. I Lost my Mum suddenly to cancer during lockdown 2020. It was six weeks from her diagnosis when she left our lives. Like you Mum, she didn’t like football but coming from Highbury and surrounded by a Gooner family, she could never get away from it. If I bought my Dad an Arsenal T-shirt or Polo, or something similar, she would tell me off. She disliked both my Arsenal tattoos. Time helps but I still think about Mum almost every day. That’s the best tribute… Read more »

AFC Forever

*your

Willian dollar baby

Hi Pedro, I read every day but very rarely comment,
This is a lovely ode to your mum and I think she be welling up with pride! And because you have thousands of readers who knows maybe you’ll reconnect a son or daughter to their mother by inspiring them to call her!
Beautiful words she sounds like a beautiful lady inside

Gunner4Life

Hey Pedro, This is my first time to post but visit your blog regularly. Just to say my deepest condolences for ‚the loss that is forever‘. Hold your memories of your Mum close and the relationship you had even closed. So happy you celebrated her here and claimed all that you had. My own Mum died when I was two so I never got to know and cherish her. That has left a real absence in my life, thus my pleasure in what you have just written. Keep it up. While I‘m at it let me compliment you on your… Read more »

Hitman

Sorry to hear of your loss Pedro. You did her memory justice with that moving post.
They say you only appreciate what your parents did for you once they are gone. Seems like you already had that appreciation during her lifetime.
You might be emotionally raw still but time is a good healer. Peace and good guidance to you.

Spudnik

Beautiful sentiments Pete and I hope they bring you lots of strength and comfort. I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost Mum almost 20 years ago now.

BD

Been following LG on and off for years now… Heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones. She lives through all of you.

Redbearer

Sorry for your loss Pete. I lost my dad this year on 14th February and he was a massive influence on me after I lost my mum when I was 10 years old. She died in a car accident, taken out by a careless driver and it took me years to get over it but I always have kept what I knew about her close to my heart. On the other hand, my dad’s deterioration was less of a shock but still extremely difficult. He taught me some important life lessons too and it was very apt that when he… Read more »

OCGooner

Big love to you and your mum Pedro. A while back I resolved to call my mum every week. She’s 82, health going a little downhill and she doesn’t live close. Arranged a certain day/time so it would be easy (on the way to a weekly event that I have a 15-20 min drive to). Lately I have sometimes let work calls get in front of that weekly call to her, and then pledge to call her after. Then usually don’t get to it. After reading your lovely post, I have resolved to not be putting anything in front of… Read more »

BacaryisGod

No better tribute to your Mum than getting everyone on Le Grove to go a whole day without a single argument 🙂

Andy

very sorry to hear your news pete. my mum passed away 2 years ago and you don’t realise how hard it is until it actually happens. lovely to hear her outlook on life and happy you were close and good friends – a lot of people don’t get to have that with their folks and it’s so important.

keep on doing what you do and honouring her memory.

CG

Very very nice tribute to a great mum.

Kan

So sorry for your loss, Pedro. I lost my mum at the young age of 36. Every time I see someone lose their mum, it feels to me that I am losing mine all over again. It’s been 22 years now; the pain is just numbed but never went away.

SAM CANNON

Thank you for sharing Pedro.
I’m 37 and lost my mum 11 years ago.
She loved football but was horrendous company for watching games because she got waaaay to anxious.
I miss that now.
Thank you and love to you and yours. <3

Ronaldo

First time poster, long time reader. So sorry for your loss Pedro, recovering from a loss takes time and eventually you’ll be able to celebrate her without feeling any pain. Your mum taught you some of the best lessons in life, apart from the Arsenal. Keep honouring her.

Chika

Thanks for sharing this with us, Pedro.

Great tribute, great picture, feels more special you took the shot.

Le Sauce

The picture you used is GOLD Pete. Great memories are created in those little moments, and seeing your mom smile with a reflection of you taking the pic at the background filled me with such an infectious energy that I’m literally gonna call my mum right away and tell her how much she means to me. Sincere condolences to you Pete, may her legacy continually find expression through you

Paddy Gooner

Wow. What a post. I love reading this blog, it’s so much more than just football. I also lost my mam last year, 6 weeks after a cancer diagnosis. She wasn’t a gooner either😊. It’s nice to stop and think of her. Thank you Peter

'desi'gner gooner

Am a regular reader of the blog but posting here for the first time. The post accompanied by the lovely picture of your mom is a great tribute to her. Thanks for sharing and sincere condolences for your loss. Like many have posted above about reading the post and remembering a parent they lost. I have a similar remeberance of my father whom I lost in 2014 after reading your post. He was the one responsible for me growing up as an avid sports fan. My first football memories are from watching late night football matches with him during Italia… Read more »

G

Great tribute 👍

Keegs

I have never posted till now even if i come back to your excellent blog every day.
My deepest condolencez to you Pedro. Your mum will forever be close to you, even if her body is no longer here

London gunner

Hey Pedro I know we have had our disagreements of which I apologise for. Your mum sounded like a brilliant supportive mum.

In the photo you can see the kindness in her and something about it reminded me of my own mum who is of a similar age and who I worry about losing. My deepest condolences but thanks for sharing the message I think we can all live a bit better if we follow that guidance.

Jonnygunner

Pedro, you’ve caused a welcome tangent on your blog with that touching post. A lot of posters are first timers,some with very personal experiences opening up to all of us. It’s to be applauded.

benkind

What a post. Great one Pedro for this.

Ustyno

Pedro

Your mom was beautiful,nice and supportive and she will always be proud of you whenever she may be now
The lessons she taught you are worth emulating.
My heartfelt condolences to you and yours

RIP Ma’am

Greg

Much respect pedro, beautiful words x

Bertie Mee

Pedro My Mum was taken critically ill a couple of days before we won the title at Tottenham in 2004 . It was a great achievement but I was too worried about her to really appreciate it. She rallied for a few weeks and died just after we became the Invincibles . She did love Arsenal and followed them through my Dad and I. The last book she read was Bob Wilson’s autobiography recounting the death of his daughter Anna. It touched her greatly and was the main reason I’ve spent a lot of time fundraising for the,. You’ only… Read more »

Corona XY

Pete, long-time daily reader but I rarely comment.

My deepest condolences for your loss. I know exactly how you feel, I lost my father 8 years ago and it can be really tough.

Cherish the good memories – and let her live on in that way.
Gone, but never forgotten!

Youdaman

Very sorry for your loss Pedro.
Beautiful post. May she Rest In Peace.
Thanks for all your hard work on the blog

Saka

Pete,
This post made me emotional. A reminder on what matters most in life. My sincere condolences.

Guns of SF

Pedro,

A great piece about your mom. May your moms legacy and lessons always resonate with you. I am learning myself about some of the things she wanted, like saying “yes” and enjoying the adventure.
I am sorry to hear about her passing. I know this must have been rough for you, not sure most of us knew of this. My deepest condolences to you.

Dee

Reading for years, 1st time comment.
Love the post, really resonates with what is important.
Sorry for your loss. Keep hold of those wonderful memories.

Wodderz

Hi Pedro I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve read the content on Le-grove almost on the daily. The first Arsenal blog I ever come across and read regularly was a site called Untold Arsenal and they had some suck up slogan like “supporting lord wenger in everything he does” and funny enough they used to slag off Le-grove; to the point where I thought I’d have a read a couple of yours and Geoffs post and I loved it and never actually went back to the other site… Point is, I’ve never left a comment in all those… Read more »

rollen

Nice stuff Pedro. Respect.

Gbadebo Ojomo

You mom is one of us.. that I can tell you. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace.

GoonerintheSix

Great post, Pedro. May your mom Rest In Peace.

Goobergooner

Pedro,

My condolences mate. That was a beautiful write up for a beautiful woman.
She would definitely be proud of you.
Sharing that message would have been tough but you’re such a strong character which seems like you share with your mother.
I’ve definitely taken some of your kind, loving words to heart mate.
We are all here for ya!

Wils

Beautiful post and love the poem on the video!

Godwin

The fond memories you have of your speaks so much about how you miss her…Thanks for sharing your memories of her with us the fans..