Some things a mother never forgets

One of my favourite things is to go to Opportunity or Thrift Shops. Some of my best clothes have been second-hand: some even have been brand new with labels still on!

During one of these trips, I was trying on a dress in the change room. I overheard a conversation between the aged volunteer ladies who live in the grounds where they have their Op Shop. They made me chuckle and left me feeling strangely happy.....

"Myrtle, do you know where the spare coat hangers are? I thought I put them out the back, but I can't find them! I would leave my head at home if it weren't screwed on!"...

"Beryl, you put them under the counter this morning: here they are!".....tutt- tutt

"Myrtle, did I tell you that Maries' youngest daughter had her baby last night? Yep, a girl as that scan thing said....quite a big baby: 9lbs.....mmmmmm. My Barry was nearly 9lbs: nearly killed me....Cheryl was just over 8lbs: huh, I thought that was bad enough but Barry beat that!...Marie said Stacy is such a tiny girl to have a big baby like that....still you can't tell can ya? Some women have em real easy like that and then the bigger lassies need an Opera-tion! How much did your bubbies weigh, Myrtle?"

"Oh, Jack was 7lbs 6ozs and was a real long fella! 20 inches. I was having me pains for days before I took the tram to the Womens Hospital.... reckon he'd have been a cesssareann if I'd been havin' him now! Beth was so fast, I nearly had her on the tram!! Just goes to show ya how each kiddie is different, Beryl. Beth wasn't as long as Jack but he was a bit heavier....she was 7lbs. George gave me no trouble whatsoever: 8lbs 2.... Can you show me how to operate this till? I can't get the hang of it..."

Putting my purchases on the counter, I guessed Beryl and Myrtle to be nearly 80. Forgetful and playful, they made my day: but forgetful as they are- they proved a point. Even though their 'babies' were in their 60's, motherhood leaves an indelible mark on a woman's soul... and there are some things a mother never forgets!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. Psalm 113:9