Dear Vob,

Just as I turned on this morning I heard the competition "Home for the Holiday." I got very excited and decided to take a chance at bringing in my Mum home for the holidays. My Mum is alone in New York, three of her children live here and two live in Canada. The last time my Mum was home was about nine or ten years ago. Our Mum used to come home for Christmas every year when she worked full time as a nurse' aid. Then the old lady she worked with died, and my Mum was put on part time, and she wasn't able to come home anymore for vacations. Her wages only allowed her food and rent.

My real reason for writing is my son and daughter. At the moment my son is training to be a police officer. He expects to pass out on December 27. I know he would be very happy to have his grandmother there in the audience to watch him.

My other reason is my daughter who complains that she hasn't seen her grandmother since she started secondary school at the Lodge School. My daughter will be turning 18 in November and I won't be able to give her a birthday or Christmas gift because I hurt my knee at work. So I am home on sick leave for five weeks. Having my Mum home would be a good gift for everyone.

My Mum had eye surgery last month and I could not be with her. I don't know what are the qualifications but I hope I win.