Me and Mister C… On a snuggly Mummy’s Day…

Hiya! Firstly, Me and Mister C wanted to wish all the wonderful Mums, Foster and Adoptive Mums, and of course our dear Grandmothers (hiya D.L-B and L.S)- always remembered too (my dear Nan and Oma) out there in our beautiful world; an amazing and peaceful Mother’s Day today! As most of you know, I am not a big fan of having to celebrate these ‘days’ on one particular day or time (even though it is a happy and worthy tradition for families and most communities). I prefer to acknowledge and celebrate our loved ones, when we want to (this COULD be every day- really!?). As most also know, I am not close with my Mother (personal reasons- not an appropriate topic for the blog -sorry); this alone makes the day difficult, and Sundays are never a ‘day of rest’ in my world! (whoever thought that saying up- I’ll never know?) …

According to the internet (great sources there) the definition of ‘Mother’ could be as follows:

A female parent: She’s the ‘Mother‘ of three small children.

A woman in authority: the superior of a religious community of women: ‘Mother Teresa’.

An older or elderly woman: ‘Mother Hubbard’.

Pertaining maternal tenderness or affection: ‘My ‘Mother‘ came into mine eyes and gave me up to tears’— William Shakespeare… (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother)

I think that sums up the definition of ‘Mother’ quite nicely (don’t you think?). If we analyse these definitions a little more closely, we could really celebrate ALL women here today; as we all know someone, or are personally at least one of these definitions. Also, it is noteworthy to write: not all women are (or want to be either) ‘Mothers’, and not all ‘Mothers’ are maternal… I feel so very honoured and privileged to be a Mum to our beautiful, individual and zany children. I say a heartfelt thank-you to our Widy, Flossy and zany Mister C, for choosing me to be your Mum. I hope I can continue to guide, nurture and support you all, through your life’s journey; while continue to be a positive part of your life and future plans too-I am so very proud of you all… ❤

Dad was away overnight in ACT for this weekend (worked out that way this time); it was a busy day yesterday, with my nursing care work during the day and planned family activities, including the wonderful fireworks event at one of the local primary schools in town (what a great event and the fireworks were amazing- thank-you!). Mister C was also able to join his best friends, for a close friend’s ninth birthday party at the fireworks event. Mister C had a wonderful time and so did all of us; what a great venue for a party (thanks E & B.F-was fun!). Widy was due to work both days (stayed home from the evening event this time- as was tired); I had to drive her to her Macca’s work by 7am this morning (was early- but at least it wasn’t 6am like the day before!). Bleary eyed, I quietly drove Widy to work, the morning sunrise was peaceful. “I hope it’s not going to be too busy, today,” Widy sighed and hopped out of the car; she then looked at me with her cheeky dimple grin and said, “Happy Mother’s Day, Mum!” That grin was enough for me; well done for committing to your work, angel!

I drove back home, popped my head into Flossy’s room and saw she was still asleep, tucked under the snuggly covers. I carefully slid under the covers of the double bed and Flossy opened one eye, then whispered, “Hi Mum; Happy Mum’s day!” Flossy then rolled over and said, “You’re the best Mum; thanks for always being there for me.” My heart melted, I smiled and whispered, “Thank-you, sweet girl!” I then gave Flossy a snuggly hug. “It’s a busy day for you, Mum. I wish Mother’s Day was every day for you, you deserve it! We have lots of goodies for you, when Dad gets home. But you must open one from me soon.” We chatted for about half an hour; then I realised Mister C was very quiet-maybe he was still asleep? So, I decided to pop down to him and climbed up his loft bed (not a good look!) to give him a hug. Mister C woke up and groaned… He later said, “I love you Mummy; you are very funny and kind all at the same time. Thanks for being my Mum; you are the best Mum ever!” Some days (like most parents and Mums) it can be hard to continue with the demands and commitments that children bring in to our lives. I recall husband saying years ago, “About five years ago, when I looked after all the children by myself (whenever I had to work shifts over the weekend- and there were many!) and they were very little; it did feel like torture, where I really did count down the hours- until Wife got home!” (Oh, dear!)… But you know what? We would never have changed it for anything, and we still don’t even today…

Righto, let’s chat all things from 2019… So, 2018 done and dusted with Christmas and New Year celebrations over; I had nearly fully recovered from my major abdominal surgery mid-November (I still had a few issues with ongoing mild pain and tiredness). School holidays well underway; we were soon busy finalising our plans and packing for our special family trip, all the way up to North Stradbroke Island (North Straddie as the locals called it). We were all super excited, as it had been many years since our last big family trip away to Tasmania at the end of 2015 (it was so great- we must go back soon!). I recall, it was a tricky plan for five people to travel to North Straddie. Husband was great (thanks love) and had arranged our flights and travelling agenda; which began with us driving up to Sydney early the first morning, of our trip and leaving our car at the long stay park area (thanks). We then took a happy flight (Mister C was so excited, as were the girls) to Coolangatta Airport, then caught an ‘Uber’ (thanks) to the ferry link, to go by ferry boat across to Straddie Island (thanks heaps), then a bus to the east side of the island – all up we travelled for over 8 hours to get there! (it was so worth it though).

I have to admit, half way through our travelling, I grew tired (and my abdo scar line was aching), Mister C was also unsettled; we stopped and had a nice lunch meal, overlooking the Ferry bay and ocean views out towards the Island (was breath-taking). Nearly there, we had a fun boat ride to the Island (Mister C wouldn’t sit still though), I think Mister C lost another small toy overboard- like on the Spirit of Tasmania ship (that one he threw overboard on purpose!) We then waited about ten minutes to catch the local bus up to the final stop; then finally a fifteen-minute walk up over the hill, to where our secluded hotel was. Wow, we thought; we had made it! It had been an epic journey to get there, but we were super pleased we had made it safely with not too many arguments (well done Husband for preparing the journey to work) … I recall our initial tiredness when we finally did arrive, but then our excitement when we got to our accommodation; seeing the amazing three-bedroom apartment, the views were breath-taking and the ocean and beaches were glorious.

We ended up not hiring a car, as most amenities and the beaches etc. were in walking distance around us (was good to exercise too); however, it was (very) hot and we hadn’t really prepared for the strong humidity until it did hit us! (Husband did regret it). Overall, we had a wonderful time; spending time together, walking and exploring the beautiful Island and its beaches. The highlight of the trip was spending the afternoon, with a delightful First Nations bush ranger and member of the Quandamooka People and community of North Straddie (Minjerribah), to explore the shore of Goompi (meaning Dunwich). It was a great experience, learning about aspects of Aboriginal life, such as bush medicines, local food and how such Aboriginal artifacts were made. We also explored the history of the British colony, on the front side of the Island, who had arrived when it first became an Island for quarantine and exploration. The Island is full of rich history, some sadness and many hardships endured were unspeakable. Today, the Island is thriving, where all cultures are united together, to protect this wonderful piece of natural land wonder.

Husband commented, “Stradbroke Island holiday was mostly great, beautiful three bedroom apartment on the top level, with amazing views all around. The beaches were untouched, but the humidity did get to me after a while!”…Widy fondly remembers the trip, she recalled only last week, how great her tan was after the trip away and that she really wanted to go back again to get another great tan! Flossy loved the beaches and nature, including the cute wildlife who came down to visit each day. Mister C recalls the plane trip and going across the ocean to the big island on the big boat. I purchased a wonderful children’s book written by a local author of the area; it was about the terrible bush fires, that swept through sixty percent of the island back in 2012-13 (so sad). I only read this wonderful story with Mister C last week; it was so great to look back on our trip away and read a book about the beautiful island and its unique nature (I could so live there-oh no!) …

A Word from Mister C…

Mister C was still asleep in the morning (8am is a big sleep in for him!), after our busy night out at the fun fireworks event, at one of the local primary schools. I climbed up onto Mister C’s loft bed and bent across (trying not to bump my head on the ceiling) and kissed him gently on the cheek; he stirred and opened one eye, stretching and letting out a little groan. “Oh, hi, Mummy. How did you fit up here?” … Oh, I’m a super-strong Mum, now that I attend our karate sessions!” … “Yes, you are, Mummy. Oh, happy Mummy’s Day too!” Mister C rolled over and put his arms out for a hug; “I love you Mummy, because you give me such nice soft hugs, every-day!” … “Oh, thanks my son; you give wonderful big hugs too!” I then reached over to give Mister C a snuggly loft bed hug…💕

Stay tuned…

For more zanier stories from 2019…Husband has some further minor medical issues, needs further tests and an ultrasound investigation. Widy is struggling socially in year eight at the local high school; we endeavour to help with the issues, knowing Widy is more down than usual… We organise another happy trip to Mollybook, for our tenth wedding anniversary mid-March with the kids (our happy place). I arrange a surprise (oh no!) for Husband and I to do together, to celebrate both my birthday and our anniversary (what could it be?). Mister C struggles more in class, and is acting out at his swimming lessons, where we need to take a break from these extra activities… Thanks for your continued support; a big Mummy’s day snuggly hug from Me and Mister C.. 🙃