I see Mothers' Day was my last time here and I can't believe what a hectic whirl wind the past five weeks have been. We are nicely settled into our new place. It is old (but not as old as our last house) and simple but seems a good fit for us. We are only a couple of houses from a creek which borders one of the cities Botanic Gardens so it is fairly quiet though close to the main highway on the other end. The inside is freshly painted which is a blessing for me as I am not up to a lot of heavy cleaning these days. There are lots of large windows and tiles so it should be a nice airy summer house. (A little cool at present.) The exterior needs a good clean and paint but again it is way better than the state of the old place.
 |
| Mumma's "New" Place. |
We miss the old house none the less. It was our home for a lot of years and we have raised our children there. Memories both good and not so happy revolve around it and I miss her large enclosed verandas which gave us so much extra space. It was a once gracious Queenslander and had loads of character.
The boys miss the neighbours and the close proximity to all their friends and activities (including Maccas!). However, particularly my younger son, loves the creek close by here and the grandchildren are very keen on rambling around there as well. It takes a little longer to get to places but the boys are great walkers.
Sigh....I do feel very much at home already and as much as my uncreative nature will allow I am trying to make this house into a home.
For me, that is my few special pieces of furniture and putting out lots of photos and having my family history albums at hand. It is having a home open and welcoming for friends and relatives and a little haven for our family.
 |
| Moore's Creek, Rockhampton (He leads me beside still waters.) |
I have begun and aborted several posts in the past few months. There have been many trials. I am glad now looking back that I have not been tempted to push publish because I don't much like the tone of some of them. :-0
In short...
I have ached with quiet grief and painfully come to terms with the loss of my father who I loved and admired and now miss so much. I have grieved also with my dear mother who is slipping further into a world of non-recognition and memory. She does still know all of her children which is a blessing.
I have also tussled with my love and commitment to homeschooling as opposed to my son's hatred of and disdain for it. Many long held hopes and dreams have been crushed but I am now at a place of acceptance.
This son is trialing high school next term. If all goes well it will mean only another 18 months of home education for me and that being if my older son sticks with it. He is year eleven but would not mind to enter the workforce....if only he could hit upon what he would really like to do! In the meantime he would like to find a few hours work per week close by now that we have moved. I find I am more than ready to end the era "teaching". I am tired. It has not ended well :-(
My son's mental health and the seeming loss of his sunny disposition and outgoing nature have been a great grief to us. Our prayer is that this too will pass. He sees attending mainstream school as the answer to all his troubles. We pray it will be that simple and indeed that it does not crush him altogether.
My grandchildren are growing and flourishing at an amazing rate. Oh! they truly bring joy and gladness when my heart is overwhelmed. The twins were two over the weekend and I hope to post on that when photos are available.
And most wonderfully, the Lord has been very near to me in all my heartaches and my joy. I am left to wonder how unbelievers cope without the comfort and encouragement of our Lord, His Word and His people.
"His mercies are new every morning! Great is Thy faithfulness."
Kershaw Gardens
Rockhampton
