Love It

I'm needed. Not needy.  There's a huge difference. Let me explain. As a child of geriatric grandparents I was needed to fulfill domestic duties beyond their capabilities. A lost childhood in many ways.  With 70 years gap between me and my grandparents, there was a need to be a good girl, a need to pick things up, a need to clean and a need to garden.  I didn't resent this though, they were phenomenal people who paid me back a million times over in support and kindness. In practical terms too by teaching, guiding, training and making things for me. No regrets, just love. Then as the child of geriatric parents I had to undertake a whole pile of domestic duties. I was given a hand-drill for my 10th birthday by a  neighbour as he didn't feel it right I should be using power tools to undertake maintenance on the family home.  I got a sewing machine too.  Painting, sewing, cooking, cleaning and tidying up after those who either couldn't or wouldn't.  All the while

This week there will be a milestone event in my family. I remember planning, and being so excited for the same age event back in 1988. It was huge. The lady in question then was loved and admired by everyone without exception. She was almost saintly, but with a wicked sense of humour and a love and zest for life that spanned her entire life. She was generous, kind, supportive, enthusiastic and full of praise for those around her. She conducted Random Acts of Kindness before we had a buzz word for it. There were gifts aplenty!  In her typical style she wrote a list of them and who gave them to her so she could acknowledge them all individually.  I kept the list. I value her administration skills and her care of those who gave to her. I even have the jewellery I gave her for that special occasion.  I am grateful that I know what it is like to celebrate that milestone birthday and to this day I remember how great it was. And now here we are almost 30 years later and here we go again f