Mothered and Mothering

Monica Martin

The Birthday Cake

We are going on a trip to Arklow today. It’s my grandma’s birthday. I get dressed up in my pretty navy dress with white spots and patent leather shoes. We will surprise grandma with a birthday cake.

We took the train from Connolly Station. As the train passed the lovely fields on the way to Arklow, we saw a couple of bronzed horses in one. My mam, Greta, wrote Grandma’s card. ‘Dear Mam, it’s your 70th birthday today, and we are all excited to meet up with you to celebrate. Your grandchild Sandra is coming too. Love and best wishes. Greta and Sandra.’

Mam said: ‘Bill is going to pick the two of us up from the station in Arklow.’

I said: ‘That’s great. I haven’t seen Uncle Bill in a while.’

The train stops and I am very excited about getting off to meet Bill, who was waiting for us at the station.

Mam greeted her brother with a hug.

Bill says: ‘Who is this young lady? It’s been a while since you visited Arklow.’

‘Hi Uncle Bill, it’s great to meet you again.’

Bill told Mam that their mother’s memory is not great. Greta was a little sad at that news.

We arrived at the house; Grandma was sitting at the table, sitting by herself

‘Hi Grandma,’ I said.

Cecilia said: ‘Who is this young lady?’

‘I am your grandchild, Sandra.’

‘How are you, come sit down here and tell me what you have been doing up in the big smoke (Dublin).’

I sat with Grandma and told her all the stories about school and what was happening with my friends.

Then Greta said: ‘Hi Mam, How are you?’

Grandma said: ‘Who might you be?’

‘I’m Greta, your eldest daughter.’

‘Oh yes, you’re the one who went to Dublin and I haven’t seen much of you since.’

‘Mums, don’t be like that! We came down on the train for your birthday. We have a cake for you.

‘A birthday cake for tea, WOW! Whose birthday is it?’ Greta said.

‘Mam, it’s your birthday, you know it is. Don’t you? There are people coming to celebrate your 70th birthday.’

Grandma says: ‘I don’t want no party! I know how old I am.’

Treasure Hunt

This time of year we often do egg hunts with our family and friends. Years ago for fun, we used to make up car treasure hunts or walking treasure hunts around the locality. They included historical questions or spots of interest around the town. It was competitive but also a real community outing. And it was lots of fun.

I used to do egg hunts in my back garden with the children I minded for 10/15 years, when I first came to Mullingar. They loved going out to find the eggs.

They were so excited about the whole event that I used to have to put the eggs out, and have them ready before they came to my house.

Egg hunts, car treasure hunts, walking treasure hunts. They are all a big fun event that we should bring back to our communities.

Monica Martin is a member of Inklings Writing Group. Inklings meet on Tuesdays 11am and Wednesdays at 7.30pm in Annebrook House Hotel. Mullingar. Aspiring writers welcome. We have loads of fun!