Hi! It’s us, Mister C and Me…

Hi there… Last Sunday 21st June was the shortest day of the year. Husband reminded me it was happening; Mister C called out, “Why is it the shortest day today, Daddy? Does that mean we have to go to school earlier?!”… (don’t ask me why- but I did look it up!). So, in the Northern hemisphere, the winter solstice (21st June) is the shortest day of the year. I read this, to be due to the Earth (our side of the world down in Oz) being tilted away from the sun, and therefore receives the least amount of sunlight on that day. Also, to note, the earliest sunset does not occur the same day as the solstice, this is due to the minor discrepancies between ‘solar time’ and the clocks we use (as per the internet!). Nevertheless, pleasing to be closer to the middle of the year and closer to Spring time sooner (wonderful!). I told Mister C what I had learnt about the day; he shrugged his shoulders and said, “Well, at least I don’t have to go to bed any earlier then!”…

As we all know, it has been a very tough year in many ways; more so for some, but still a rotten year so far. Our mental health is so important through these difficult times; even for me, I’ve had to take many deep breaths and tell myself that everything is going to be okay. 2021 here we come?!…. I can report, poor Widy, did sadly succumb to the dreaded bugs at home; she ended up having the whole week off school, to rest and recover. I did get cross with her for having her door almost constantly closed (as teenagers do!) and therefore no heat going into her room (while also clad with summer clothes on too mind you!)- it was very COLD! I ended up dragging out the old small column (oil) heater, from the shed and cleaned it up; I then put it in her room on low, and told Widy to please use it. We attended her GP phone conference and booked an in-practice appointment, to check her lungs and chest (were never very good- with being born so premature), now on abs and ‘Ventolin’ (again); she is now on the mend, and finally getting back to her cheeky teenage self…

Having said all that, Wednesday was one of those very BAD days (one of those -I want to forget kind of days!), Widy was unwell and bedridden (as you know), kids were difficult to get ready for school (yes- one of those days already!); I had a fairly important appointment scheduled mid-morning, of which I had forgotten to bring some paperwork with me. I had to drive back home, to obtain the documents (luckily, I lived only a few minutes away!) and then return to the appointment place; attending the appointment a few minutes late (no fun there!). I had noticed the car was cold, it took a few seconds for the ignition to start; I didn’t think any more of it and drove home. Went to start my car, for the school pick-up run about five minutes to three- car wouldn’t start! So, went into panic mode for a minute or so; rang Husband- who couldn’t help me, as was in ACT for work and staying overnight (don’t ask me why I rang him first!) …

I rang Flossy’s school, and arranged for her to catch the bus home (has done so before- but not on her own) (thank-you staff); I then rang my trusty neighbour, who offered me her car to drive and pick up Mister C (thanks heaps H.W- you’re the best!)… I rang NRMA next and was given one hour wait time; so, I decided to walk down to the bus stop, at the end of our adjoining street, to meet Flossy. The bus usually came down the street at about five minutes past four; I waited and waited- still no bus! About twenty-five mins later, the bus finally turned up and missed our stop; screeching to a halt down the road, with me frantically waving. Flossy hopped off looking pale and sad, “The bus driver yelled at me Mum! The driver? got lost on the route, and was talking to the kids; they didn’t stop where I asked to go. My tummy’s really swirly and I feel sick!” she said, looking very upset…. “I’m sorry angel,” I said (my hands frozen by then), giving Flossy a big hug. “The car wouldn’t start, and I had to get you to catch the bus today. We have to go; so, I can meet the NRMA service person, to fix the car.”… (I did ring the bus company the next day regarding the situation…). In the end, the car battery had to be replaced (thanks Brad from NRMA!) and I was able to take Widy to her GP appointment in the evening and pick up some tea (I have to say the KFC take-away for dinner that night was DELICIOUS!) …

Recalling back to 2016 (are we done with the year yet?); it’s quite uncanny to mention, it’s the same time of year (end of June), but four years ago. We had a lot of sickness in the house that time too, the girls with coughs and colds; while Husband had to have a minor procedure at the local hospital. He had to do a prep (so much fun-I know!), including having to fast for nearly two days; with only clear fluids to drink (not a happy chap). I had to work that day (couldn’t swap it-sadly); Husband took kids to school and day-care, catching a taxi to the hospital late morning; where I picked him up when it was over in the later afternoon; after I had finished work (it did work out okay in the end- I think!). He was of course groggy from the general anaesthetic – I tucked him into bed, with a drink, a large supreme pizza (wishful thinking Husband!), and the TV remote; then later went to get the kids. A long story short, my car wouldn’t start! (just like this week in 2020- now my old car!). I had to call NRMA (again), and catch a taxi home (Husband couldn’t drive-obviously); then I had to go back out to meet the service person, and pay for the replacement battery! (I really dislike car batteries when they die!). Through that tough day, I do recall, Mister C being such a good boy in the taxi drive home, he sat so quietly and kept on trying to say the word ‘Taxi’, but couldn’t- it was very cute…

We decided to have a joint house-warming and b’day gathering (party) for Husband; with some good friends coming up from ACT and new friends in the area, including our new neighbours at the time (thanks all!). Husband recalls, “Saturday, great birthday party and house-warming; many good friends over, went from about 4pm to 10pm; one friend couple had new twins and were very little (and very cute); but, they stayed for many hours!”…Overall, it was a fun night, seeing old friends and catching up; I recall it was a very cold night, but we made it through (with a few alcoholic beverages to numb the mind a little!) as we always did! Husband celebrated his forty-something b’day two days later; Husband recalls, “Had lovely birthday; Wife made it a special day, we went to lunch and the movies.”…

It was a busy month, with my dear Aunt and Uncle (Dad’s side) coming up from Melbourne, to attend an event in Sydney. They both staying overnight for a surprise visit with us, and to see our new house (Hiya M & J.T- miss you guys!). I recall making a nice curry, and having a lovely dinner with the family, while celebrated Husbands b’day too (Uncle’s b’day was at the end of June too). We met at the local club the next day for lunch; was so great spending time with my family, and always nice to reminisce about my Dad too (always missed). Mister C was a good boy; we all had a laugh, when he began blowing kisses on the glass window in the kids play-room at us… We also had a lovely event for Flossy’s piano playing; her teacher held a nice concert with all the other students (end of June). Flossy was nervous (naturally), but played her three pieces very well (super proud!). Mister C was a bit of a handful, running up and down the aisles, and not sitting still for more than five minutes (usual boy thing!); Husband took him outside for a while, and we both took turns entertaining the little man…

We did however, have some devastating news the next week. I recall my dear Step-Dad, affectionately named Opa by all (J.V.G), hadn’t been well the past weeks; going to his GP and having further tests done to find any health-related causes. He had complained of regular headaches and forgetfulness, which was unlike him; we were all worried about him (naturally). We all nervously waited for the results of the latest tests, which we received the following week. Sadly, Opa was diagnosed with a fast growing (grade four) brain tumour; he was due to have the lengthy surgery, and biopsies in ACT early July. Our world came closing in; I couldn’t think of anything else, but what could we do to take this terrible diagnosis away; let alone try and tell the kids about Opa being unwell…

A Word from Mister C…

“Hi, Mummy”, whispered Mister C, hopping into our bed for morning cuddles. “I have some facts I wanted to tell you; can I tell you them now?”… “Hi, my son”, I said yawning, giving Mister C big hugs; “Yes, do tell me your facts; I am curious!”… “Well, the first fact is, when some people get sick, they can die and that’s really sad… The second fact is, some people have butt-cheeks on their chins; it does look pretty funny, I think!… “Oh, people can’t help it my son”, I said trying not to giggle; “They are born with different chins, and that’s okay.” … “Oh, yeah, that’s good Mummy… Let me tell you my third fact; before babies are born, in their Mummy’s tummy; the baby has ‘gills’ before they have grown and are born. “Oh”, I said, “Sounds interesting; not sure about that one- I will have to look it up!”… “Okay, Mummy… My fourth fact is; did you know on our heads, all our hair has tiny bones, sitting in each hair strand; they are really microscopic ones?”… “WOW! my son; those bones must be super tiny?!” I smiled, both of us started giggling together; “You are full of so much knowledge this morning, Mister C!”…

Stay tuned…

Busy weeks, with Mister C and the girls’ events at school and day-care. Sad days, with our dear Opa diagnosed with a life-changing brain tumour, and has urgent surgery early July. We are torn to go away on our trip to QLD; with it all paid for and my leave not able to be changed… With dear Opa’s blessing we rally together, and take the trip away with the kids, my heart deeply saddened…