Mother’s Day is approaching in Australia. My Mum has a few physical challenges now yet remains almost as alert as she was at 60, when she was working as an accountant.

I live some 450 kilometres away and only travel to the big smoke about every six months, during which time I spend most days with her, and as much time as possible with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson.

During the pandemic, of course, there was little opportunity to have this time together, so when I eventually went to spend time with my Mum, I realised that her living environment could use a facelift. I love a bargain and Mum is not that great about receiving, so I make an effort to meet her halfway. I have an eye for detail and I know what pleases and calms her in terms of colour. She loves to worry about money and about how much everything is costing, and I let her. Accountants are like that, I find.

I purchased everything at the right price, of course, and either had it delivered or took it up with me, then assembled what needed assembling, laid new rugs, covered old furniture and so on. As things are with my Mum, once she saw, felt and experienced the changes in her environment, I was able to “fudge the figures for the better”, covering the difference myself, and that filled us both with joy.

My next trip there was spent, at her request, sifting and sorting, donating to charity what she never used and so on. My daughter-in-law gracefully accepted a few well-loved items, including framed photos of my son and me.

Mum has always loved small animals and in her home, she has a Cockatiel (Weiro), and she converses with it. It brings her great joy and she lets him out of his cage most evenings unless of course she has company. Mum also has a very tiny enclosed verandah area where the bird is housed, and the cage sits on an old coffee table, taking up a great deal of room. Mum uses a walker these days, so space to move, and some storage, is important.

Interesting note, I had no plan to go out today and then felt like I was being prodded to do so. I drove to the Salvos and they no longer deal with furniture locally and suggested I go to Vinnies. I decided to go, couldn’t find it and almost went home. Lo and behold, Vinnies appeared in front of me and I laughed.

I went inside and one lovely lady said they had a run on furniture today, as I asked where the furniture was. I walked past these bedside tables as a pair, individually priced at $20 each, while looking at some other pieces. I went back and opened the drawers… essential for Mum with Dupuytren’s. Both drawers glided open with one finger, I was breathing into my consciousness of course.

I tried the weight of the piece and there was no way I was going to be able to lift it alone, and that sold me, so I chose the one with fewer scuffs and asked the manager if someone could help me get it into the car. Why did it sell me? Because if Mum hits the furniture with her walker, the cage will not topple.

Vinnies WA also had a sign up offering three kids’ books for a dollar, so I chose three for Bruce, dinosaurs and Wiggles included, and went to pay. They gifted me the books, lifted the item into my car and secured it for the month it must remain there until I travel the 450 kilometres to gift it to my Mum for Mother’s Day.

I would also like to say that there was not a man in sight, and they were all Mums and Grandmothers. Appropriate, one might say, given that Vincent de Paul founded the Congregation of the Mission and co-founded the Daughters of Charity.

I now have a number to contact when I am ready to gift them some of my larger unwanted items. We all have our boundaries!

Things seem to find their way when you move, even gently.

Happy Mother’s Day!

— Saint Parousia