At five years old I was continually curious, full of energy
and questions. My days were spent in childcare at Paddington Central while my
mother ran yoga classes on the roof. I loved the freedom, the grandparents
would spend time with us, telling stories or taking us on excursions within and
on the centre. I loved getting my hands dirty, painting, growing plants, or
helping cook, I loved it all.
When I grew I up I learnt to be a chef, running a program
between local high schools home economic departments and the public. I was a passionate
advocate of good health and enjoying good food. I loved seeing the excitement
on the kids faces when they came in, their fearless exploration of the gardens,
market spaces and cooking demonstrations
encouraged folks of all ages to get involved.
Working so close to home gave me so much more time to spend
with my two boy, husband and neighbours. I become especially close to Mrs McDougal,
she was a surrogate grandmother to all of the families on level six, hosting
bbq each weekend for everyone, but her relationship with my boys was special.
Getting old was a joy, I was free to follow my passions for
sharing my food knowledge and spending time in the therapeutic pools or
strolling in the gardens collecting herbs. I didn’t
feel old, I was still an active participant, needed and wanted in my community.
Living at Paddington was bliss
No comments:
Post a Comment