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Mother’s Day 2020

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I would like to dedicate this one to my mum! 
I would not be here, let alone be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my mum (& dad). When I was just a teeny tiny baby my birth mother left me at the hospital. I was then moved to an orphanage and it was there my mum found me. You see, I’m Filipina by birth and my adopted family are Australian. I could have had a very different life, and for this I am eternally grateful. I’ve since learned that I am one of the lucky ones as many children in my circumstance are abandoned in the streets and dumpsters :(

Words can not express how much I love her and how lucky I feel to have the family I have. Unfortunately I don’t think I tell them enough, to this day it still makes me emotional.

Becoming a Mother opened up a whole new range of emotions. That instant love you have for your child when you see them for the first time. Then wondering how on earth people can give their children up. I’m sure there are many reasons (and I have heard a few) but it still doesn’t make it any easier. I am just thankful that I was welcomed with open arms, much love and older siblings. I now feel so blessed to have my own little family!

I had intentions of relaying the whole story but I am not quite there yet. 

So back to mum – an independent, loving and strong willed woman in her 80’s fell and broke her leg mid February. Thankfully she has wonderful neighbours who heard her calls for help:( One of the worst feelings when you hear about it and not be there.

To cut a super long story short she has missed this whole pandemic by being moved around from hospital 1, to hospital 2, to hospital 3, hospital 2, to hospital 3 and on Friday back to hospital 2 which is out of town. As much as it has been a crazy few months for her she has been lucky to have had such great care. It’s been nice know that she hasn’t had to try and get out and get groceries and be a little bit protected from some of the craziness that has been COVID-19.

With social distancing and limits to one visitor per day at the hospital, we set mum up with video chat so she could see us all. I do have to have a laugh as my dear old mum isn’t the most tech savvy and with her permission I can share this funny screen shot of us talking. 

With the restrictions lifting and being able to travel more than 50kms all of us were able to see her together face to face for the first time in over 2 months. It may have been through a window (for germ safety) but it was great! 
So mum I hope you had a great Mother’s Day and 2020 will be a year we will not forget in a hurry! 
Love Anna 

Cel and her garden

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Cel was one of our first Front Yard Portraits! She is very sprightly 82 year old woman who loves gardening. During the lockdown her family made sure she was safe and okay during isolation. Occasionally family that were close by could drop by, sit on her driveway and have a cuppa and a chat.
I really enjoyed chatting with Cel she is one gorgeous character:)

Cel was also kind enough to answer some questions:

How has this affected your family?
Always a close family but more united and caring than ever.

What do you think is really important right now?
So important to obey the rules set out to protect us. It is not about “me” its about “us”

What is one thing that has surprised you about this event – Positively or negatively?
On the positive side – the generosity of people and the care and concern.
On the negative – the greed and selfishness of some.

What have you done to stay in touch with others?
Every day I ring my friends and stay positive. Constantly checking on away family.

What is one thing you are doing to keep yourself busy?
Gardening

What is one good thing that you hope will happen after this is all over? I hope people won’t be all about themselves and will see others in need and help them. I want them to be KIND and we rebuild with more care for those who struggle. I hope for better family life for all.

What is one thing you will always remember about this time?
How much good slowly beats the greed.

What is one thing that you miss right now?
Just to be able to touch those I love.