Life as such in the last two years since covid hit is very different. I don't normally write about my life except what I do, that is exciting and fulfilling to me.
Since moving to the Island in South East Queensland it has been for the better health wise but has thrown up many challenges both good and interesting.
2nd Hubby and I have lived in 5 different States in Australia.
Sydney - New South Wales, worked at Air New Zealand and had our own Cake Shop simultaneously(with the ex, then briefly with No 2).
Campbelltown - Adelaide, Managed Riboni Cafe
Melbourne - Victoria, worked at Newscorp and Spit Roast
Gordon - ACT, worked at Canberra Times and Hertz
Geebung and Macleay Island - Queensland, worked at Hertz and currently working with Australian Federal Government
My children and I are forever grateful to my husband Michael for allowing us to live in all these states . We have enjoyed everything about each state. I have made many friends, worked in interesting and varied jobs. I have proven to myself that I am adaptable in many ways both at home and at work.
City living is definitely hectic and can be lonely - as in neighbours keep to themselves. I have always gone out of my way to meet neighbours but some want to keep to themselves. Then again I have met many neighbours who love that wave and hello over the fence-on rubbish day or at the postbox and that makes my day.
In these covid lockdown days it is so important to touch base with neighbours, it's good for the soul and you never know when you might need them or they might need you. I try to be a good neighbour and share my cooking with them or stuff from my garden.
At the moment my garden isn't too productive, I am still learning how to garden. With over an acre to play with, I have lots of room but not a lot of spare money to experiment with.
I have 5 worm farms that are sometimes good and prolific and sometimes not so much. I also have 2 compost bins that I have never gotten anything out of as yet because hubby keeps putting food into both instead of just one LOL. He now has strict instructions to only fill the 2nd one and keep turning the first one so it's ready for me someday (he does a good job otherwise and I am grateful for that).
Island life is awesome, we are only 2 mins drive to a beautiful Dalpura Beach where we swim/lie in the water in summer to cool down, enough cafes, activities and night life to keep us fit (dancing).
Friday 13th August 2021 will be one of the days that will be etched in my mind forever (I used to love Friday 13 because nothing happened to me). My oldest daughter Keira 34 was diagnosed with APML Leukaemia. She went straight into intensive chemo 2 days later - 2 hours per day for 30 days. She lives in Perth WA the most western side of Australia - about a 5+ hour flight. I live in Queensland the most Eastern side of Australia, her dad lives in Sydney and younger sister lives in Melbourne. We are all as far away as we can be and except from myself they are both in lockdown.
At first I was in shock for 3 days, couldn't function, couldn't think, couldn't do anything, sleep was erratic. I am very lucky to have a husband that is so supportive - he fed me, did the chores, hugged me when he saw a blank stare in my eyes and basically was there for me 24/7. Then for the next few weeks I was just numb, going to work was a great distraction for me. I could just lose myself in my job and concentrate, then when I got home it was back to numb again. 3 months on I am now out of the numb stage and keep myself busy enough that I don't have to go into that blankness again.
Good news is after 2 months of treatment, she is now at 2% cancer (remission) having been at 85% when first diagnosed. She will now be on chemo everyday for a month on and month off for however long it takes to remove the cancer from her blood stream.
The other day I happened to drive past the Leukaemia Foundation in Herston, so I popped in and spoke with Amber who was very helpful and gave me information that helped ease my mind. One of the things Amber told me was that with other cancers there is a lump to cut out, with leukaemia there is nothing to cut out, it's in the blood stream that is why the treatment is so intense and so long. Keira was told it would take 2 years but as she is responding so well it might not be that long.
She is full of life and has a positive attitude towards life, which is helping her and the rest of the family get through this. I sent her this bear which was made by my good friend Dianne Harris. She has made some beautiful soft animals for the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane.
Keira named the bear Leuk (for Leukaemia) and she has another white one she named Kemo (for chemo), very cute.
Give your children and your loved ones a big hug, you never know what's around the corner.
Love you very much Michael, Keira and Emma
I was sending Keira care packages and one care package was a humorous one (laughter is the best medicine they say). Enjoy the video
What a traumatic time for you all these past few months have been - great to hear the the counts are now right down. Loving the bear :) I pray life will become less stressful in the future. My worm farm can be erratic too!!
ReplyDeleteStay safe
Blessings
Maxine