Mum and I used to have an inside joke about how neither of us liked shopping, but when we shopped together, we always had a good time.

Mum didn’t have a car, so I would pick her up every week to go grocery shopping or run various errands.

And for Christmas shopping, we would make a whole day of it. First, I would pick her up, and we would go out for “breakfast” (since she was a late sleeper, her breakfast was usually my lunchtime). Then, the rest of the day was spent checking off items on her “list.” She always had a meticulous Christmas list, and we would shop until the entire list was complete.

Shopping took on a life of its own once my daughter was born. Being her only grandchild, Amber was the centre of Mum’s universe, and no expense was ever spared.

When Amber was old enough, she often joined us on our weekly girls’ shopping trip. Turns out, my daughter loves to shop! Mum and I would laugh and say, “She didn’t get it from us.”

After Mum passed away, shopping became something I avoided unless I absolutely had to. And when I could bring myself to go, I avoided the stores Mum and I used to shop at because it was just too painful to go in without her.

But over time, my shopping-obsessed daughter wore me down, and now shopping together is a treasured activity. In fact, hanging out at the mall with her is like my new favourite thing. We walk around window shopping, and often stop to have a meal at the food court.

I am now able to visit Mum’s favourite stores again and smile, remembering the fun times we shared, despite our “we hate shopping” stance.

Honestly, though, I don’t think either one of us really “hated” shopping. I think it was just less fun when we shopped alone or with the “wrong” people.

But shopping with Mum, and now my daughter, has taught me that shopping can be a bonding experience like no other—when you do it with the “right” people.