intrinsic connection

The sound of the lawn mower breaking the natural silence.

A warm breeze gently passing through the car window.

Seat reclined, I close my eyes in the afternoon sun,

taking a moment to reflect on this surreal moment...

in my birth town of Mackay.

Known only to be the place where my Granny lives and my dad has his first pharmacy,

it's never really held much significance or meaning to me.

But this trip is different.

A year has passed since seeing my shrinking comical Gran,

and although it's exciting - there is something unique this time.

My Dad and I sit across the table eating lunch,

passing sideway glances at each other when we acknowledge our common quirky ways...

three generations on.

A father and daughter road trip intrigues me as we head off in a direction unknown.

Arriving at Esplenade Road, I see my parents first house -

the waterfront shack where as a babe I once crawled.

Stories of sailing on the water, beers on the porch and purple furniture creates images of a family that once was long ago.

I walk along the dunes, taking in the smell of mangroves and the sea,

Slade point now a place of family and memories.

We head off in another direction and I am baffled where could be next.

Up a narrow drive and heading towards what looks like green pastures,

I realise it is a resting place for those passed on.

We walk in silence up through the headstones and plaques,

till we come to one I recognise.

Although only 9 when Grandad passed away,

stories about frogs, smoko and a charming smile are still present.

Touched to be there and bringing on emotion from both of us,

we chat about life when he was with us -

and the gap that is clearly still there for dad with him gone.

Driving down the main street, dad talks about his business.

It took time away from us kids growing up,

yet has provided a future for us and a legacy for him.

From nothing to something, he reminds me that anything is possible.

The title of a 'teacher' not restrictive, but rather a platform for future growth.

We arrive back home and my aunty with her daughter are there,

another generation who I am intrinsically linked to and similar in so many ways.

We eat dinner and talk about 'the daily news' with my 5 year old cousin,

it is so lovely to be here.

In one room, so many stories - my history and my family.

A trip like no other, a reconnection with myself...

after time away in London, so badly needed and deserved.