Pauline called to Danny this morning, "Stop bouncing that ball inside. If you bounce it one more time I'll be taking it off you" - uttered with all the penetrating gusto she's summoned regularly as a union negotiator, HR manager, and mother.
Needless to say, Danny entered into dispute and gave the ball one more bounce.
This was a grand moment, but I am sad beyond words having to report that everything else is becoming very difficult for my sister. Greg looks after her and the kids tirelessly, and with infinite patience and devotion. With the energy she has left Pauline expresses nothing but her gratitude and love.
I love this photo of me and baby Pauline. Her gaze seems to say: Get on with it; No time for bullshit; Life is short.
Her gaze is different now. It is full of love and acceptance. But we would all do well to bear in mind that other, penetrating look. She has usually been right.
1 comment:
Dear Pauline
I have read your various entries with wonder of the love, courage and dignity you and your loved ones are baring. And I choose the word "bare" deliberately as it must be one of the hardest things a family has to bare.
Like you too A. Rose I think this photo of you two sisters is really poignant. And I can see clearly how you have grown up together and the traits of honesty and humour, compassion and realism are a family trait.
Pauline one memory I have of you and your family was when you kindly invited the girls and I down to Venus Bay and you were telling me of an old Nursing friend from Walpeup you were close to. "Walpeup! (I thought) I know that town and blimey teddy your close friend Rosalie, also happened to be my cousin ( a beautiful woman in everyones' opinion in my extended family).
And so when Bridget found out her "godmother" Rosalie, was also my cousin, she and Ella decided they were as good as related to each other.
"Does that mean mean me and Bridget are sort of cousins, mum?" asked Ella.
I think at a time like this Pauline, Greg and Rose, let us all be "sort of cousins".
And I want to thank you for all you've done for us (Greg you're a netball coach extra ordinaire).
Pauline you will also remember that I wasn't an easy guest (buggering up the plumbing system)and that too, I need to set right. Speak to you in time Greg.
I wish you and your family all the love and strength and think that you're all wonderful people.
Take care dear Pauline.
Love
Helen, Maddy and Ella
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