The descent into Sydney was
exciting. We came in over Manley, which
is like a little peninsula that stretches out into the harbor; you have to go over it to get to the
harbor. I remember being fascinated by
the red roofs. I remember being awed by
the beauty of Sydney Harbour, a sensation I never lost. I was practically beside myself with
excitement over being in Australia and the thought of seeing Mike & Kerry.
I did not think I would be
able to restrain myself while going through customs. I wanted to be out of there and into my
family's arms. At last I was free and
spotted Mike & Kerry. Mike was so
happy to see his dear old Mum, he literally swept me off my feet. Kerry looked beautiful - and very pregnant. All three of us were happy as dicky birds.
I arrived Down Under a month
before the anticipated birth so that I could get down the routine of the
house. They were living in Paddington at
the time, a charming neighborhood with "Federal" houses of red brick
trimmed with white wood. As I recall,
there were beautiful wrought iron railings that made it reminiscent of pictures
I have seen of New Orleans. .
Scott was born at what they
call a laying-in hospital - dedicated to birthing. Australia is surprisingly more advanced than
the USA in its medical practices (they do
not have to fuss around with the AMA) and this hospital was no exception. I remember how much I liked it and the
staff. It was so exciting to hold my
grandson and even more to watch Mike holding his son. It made me miss Pete, in a sad but wonderful
way.
When my children were born,
the dad was not allowed in the delivery room and babies were brought to Mom
according to schedule. For one of my
children's births, I had a roommate. She
had just finished feeding her baby and her husband was watching her and picked
up his little bitty baby. One of the nurses
came in, dressed him down and took the baby away. She really let him have it. He was in total disbelief - "What is the
matter? I am not dirty." But the
nurse would not budge.
Not so with Scott's
birth. I remember Kerry asking me if I
wanted to hold him, because I was making such a big fuss over him. I protested that the nurses would not let
him, but Kerry set me right, pointing out that he was her baby and she said I
could hold him. What happiness to hold
that cuddly baby.
When Kerry and Mike brought
their bouncing baby boy home, I was there to be a delighted chief cook and
bottle washer. For a month, Kerry could
just take it easy and let me take care of the house.
It felt so good. I had not been needed like that since Pete
died and it nourished my soul. I
remember one of her friends dropping by and asking her what she was planning
for dinner. Kerry tossed off her reply - "I haven't had to think
about a meal in a month." So the friend looked at me and said,
"When you're through here, will you come over to my house?" And I think she meant it!
What lovely memories to take
with me to my slumbers.
Love to all - Mum/Nan
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