After a very restless night I woke to the alarm, remembering that I was babysitting all day. For most of the day it was a four-year-old then pick up three more children from school till either mum or dad arrived around 5pm. The little one first had breakfast (maybe a second one) and then helped me put on a few loads of washing. Then we drove to the shops to buy food for the weekend for an event the Ministry was putting on. We stopped and bought a hotdog and drink, taking our time sitting at a bench. Abigail was enjoying her hotdog and chatting away to me about stuff.…

One of the youngest grandchildren had a school disco coming up – the theme was the Olympics. One afternoon she came to her mum to remind her about it and said, “Don’t forget this Friday afternoon there is the school disco on. We need to go as an Olympian.” Then she added, “but I don’t want to go as a paralympian, missing an arm or leg.” She said this innocently, not being mean or discriminatory, for she spoke only a few days ago about her 17-year-old cousin, Hannah who is a special needs child, that she could be competing in the Paralympics. Hannah is very special in our family. She,…

Sometimes you get to a point where you feel like you have been “burning a candle at both ends” as the saying goes.  I feel physically tired, but I can’t recall doing anything out of the ordinary. Maybe I’m low in some vitamins and minerals? I know I’m a bit sleep deprived and if you are not getting enough sleep, you lack energy during the day. I am trying to cope with chronic pain which I know affects my muscles, so maybe my energy levels too? I have been trying to exercise but maybe overdoing it? Every time someone asks me how I’m going I respond lately with a shrug…

I have been watching the Paralympics. So inspiring! The many challenges the athletes face, physically and mentally, that they have overcome to get to where they are is simply amazing and uplifting for all who listen and watch their stories of life so far. All of them, whether they have won a medal or not, did their best and we celebrate their achievement of just competing! Most of them, when interviewed, thanked their families, their coaches and all the supporting people back at home that have gotten them to where they are now. As one commentator stated –  “It takes a village.” This comment is so true. The journey of…

My daughter-in-law, Brigette, sent the family a message the other evening. She stated that she had just showed her daughter Mackenzie, who is nearly 8 years of age, how to empty the vacuum cleaner. Mackenzie’s response was, “I can’t do that! I’m allergic to dust.” (She does suffer badly from hay fever and is allergic to dust and pollen.) Brigette replied, “That is a good point, but at least you know now how to clean it, the filters etc.” Mackenzie’s reply was priceless! “I’m never doing that in my life. My husband will have to do it.” Oh, we all smiled at that quick response. I wonder if we will…