On the way to work there is a little house. It sits off the side of the road, old brick chimney, nestled into the side of the house. It’s framed by large gum trees, glimmering in simple, understated beauty.
The kids are usually in the car, I point to it and tell them a story about who might have lived there, what life might have been like for them, it keeps them entertained for 5 minutes without an iPad so it’s a win.
Today, I drove by it alone, and I think about the woman who would have swept its floors every day, planted irises along the front, and cleaned out the fireplace. The stories it would hold.
Stories of a family sharing a bed, cuddling to keep warm on a frosty morning. Of laughter, hot soup and tales being told beside the glow of a fire.
The kids that grew up there wouldn’t have remembered if Mum rinsed the dishes or kept a clutter free house. But, they would remember her putting down the broom every now and then, running around outside with them, peals of laughter echoing through the trees, making the gum leaves dance and glimmer with joy.
And so I drive home, ignore the dishes, grab my boys and tickle them on the lounge, soaking up every laugh, smile and the sounds of their little voices. I ignore the ping of a new email coming in, the agitated beep of the washing machine’s completed cycle. And I think of the little house and its gum trees; smiling, nodding at me.
Bookings are now open for Kerin Health Mother’s Group, a place for new mothers and their babies to come together and share the adventure of Motherhood in a safe, supportive environment. To learn more, head to https://www.kerinhealth.com.au/mothers-group
