What did you write: Challenge 2

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What a lovely natural girl.
Just 17, she is who you would call a peach.
Lives across the hall from me 

Three generations of a family tree Unusual in this day and age as teens are often prone to rage. Her hair was groomed, nails manicured
Books from school stacked away, finally time for some play Graduation tonight. It’s been a long fight to get through this year and try and keep one’s sanity. Excitement is building, presentations to be made.
Georgia on her way to see what life brings.
I wish her the best, she deserves her wings.

Good luck lovely girl! 

From your neighbour Wendy 

  Maddy lived on a farm with her mum and dad, John and Meg, and a horse named Apple. Maddy rode Apple every day, not just to school but every afternoon, galloping across the paddocks.

One night, as Maddy lay in bed she overheard her parents talking and they sounded worried. Her dad kept repeating, ‘We just can’t do it, the money isn’t there. It looks like we will lose the farm.’

Next morning her parents were very quiet until Maddy asked if they would be going to the town’s Carnival Day in two weeks. This was a day of fun, rides, cake stalls and the famous horse race which attracted riders from far and wide.

‘Yes, said her mum in a firm voice. ‘Of course we will be going.’

Maddy was very busy the next two weeks, telling her parents she had a special project to complete.

Carnival Day arrived. Maddy had saved her birthday money to pay for rides, and fairy floss, her once a year treat. After lunch, everyone went to the dusty racecourse to watch the Gold Cup race and see who won the prize money that went with it.

As race time approached Maddy’s parents looked for her but she was nowhere to be found. Not wanting to miss the big race, they made their way to the grandstand taking the last seats as the horses lined up for the start.

‘They’re racing.’ came the cry as the horses thundered past the grandstand. One horse stood out - the only grey in a field of browns. ‘Who is that?’ people asked each other. John and Meg sat shocked. It was Maddy riding Apple in the big race.

Maddy crouched on her beloved mare, quietly murmuring. ‘Not yet Apple. Not  yet Apple.’  Then, ‘NOW Apple.’ and off they sped, overtaking one horse after the other till they hit the lead and then - First! First in the big race, the Gold Cup and the prize money was theirs.

The crowd cheered. A local girl, John and Meg’s girl, Maddy, had won the big race. What a day for their little town. When finally her parents reached her they hugged and hugged and Maddy said, ‘I hope my prize will save our farm.’ 

And it did!

Apple and Maddy were the toast of the town. They had saved the farm.

‘Hello little darling,’ I said to you. It was one second after you were born. As the nurse placed you on my chest, I spoke my first endearing words in English. 

When I spoke, you turned your head towards the direction of my voice. I saw your big eyes and heart-shaped little mouth. You looked perfect to me. 

I looked towards the window and noticed a shadow of a figure through the obscured glass of the window. ‘I think that is my mother,’ I said to the nurse. She opened the window and my husband went to her and said, ‘Congratulations, you have a grandson.’ 

The three most important and most loved people were right there with me. I felt complete happiness. Suddenly anticipation, anxiety, labour and a great relief that it was all over flooded over me. Happiness was too much. I fell asleep. 

I woke up in a quiet and gently lit room. The only sound I could hear, in the distance was the cries of babies. Before I could realise fully where I was, a door opened. 

A nurse was wheeling a cot, with you in it. The nurse put you in my arms. ‘Time for first feed,’ she said. With a few tries you were hungrily sucking. I was happy watching you and listening to your gentle sounds. 

That was 55 years ago. My memory and feeling of these precious moments are vivid in my mind and heart.

This time last year I was ready to fly all the way to England to visit you for Christmas. What a lovely time we had, walking through the town, colourful lights and decorations everywhere, Santa in the stores, and carol singers coming to the door in the evenings. We ate lots of mince pies and cake! Your Christmas tree was very tall and was covered in fairy lights, with a silver star right on the top. I had to pick you up to reach the highest branches so you could hang decorations there. Do you remember how you crept into my bedroom early on Christmas morning to show me the new doll that Santa had left for you? You were so excited, and then I gave you my present, a little pram for you to push dolly around in. You pushed it up and down the hallway for ages. Candy the cat would run and hide when she saw you coming. Now, you are nearly five, and I am so disappointed that I won’t be flying to England to see you. Mummy and daddy will have explained to you that it is very difficult for people to travel anywhere at the moment. We will be able to see each other on the computer, and you can tell me all about your Christmas Day then. I’ll be staying at home in Sydney, where it is usually hot and sunny on Christmas Day, which is very nice. I can go for a swim, but it won’t be the same, not being with all of you. I’ll be saving up and hoping I can come to see you next year. Maybe, in a few years’ time you can come to visit me, and we can go to the beach for a swim on Christmas morning and have a picnic. I’ll be thinking of you all and looking forward to a computer chat on Christmas Day. Lots of love and a big hug, Granny

For Hamish

To my darling little one.

I want to tell you a story.

One day you will be old enough

To understand its meaning.

Pa Dean was a lovely, gentle man who

Taught Tony and me many things

About life.

This one has stayed with me.

When I was just a wee girl my family

Was gathered for a family reunion.

My brother and cousin were newborns.

Everyone fussed over them.

They were beautiful little boys

Cute. Just like you.

Pa was sitting in his favourite armchair

A baby on each knee.

I stood in a corner, no one noticed me.

I felt big, really big. I was four. And alone.

Pa saw me standing there, forlorn.

He said, ‘Barbara come and sit with me.’

He moved Tony and Peter to one knee

The empty knee was for me.

Cuddled and kissed, I nestled into him.

He said, ‘There is always room for everybody.’

I have never forgotten his love, and most

Importantly what he said to me that day.

I have practised his lesson throughout my life.

There is always room for everybody.

I have always involved my friends and strangers

In conversation, groups, telling jokes, laughing.

At school, working life, clubs and in sports.

Reaching out.

So my little one my wish for you is to always remember

Pa’s gift of inclusion, and you will have many friends,

Make new ones and others will remember you for your

Kindness.