These are gentle women. Mother and daughter, Sue and Kirsty. My only niece although one of three girls in our family line, the other two being my girls, Alexandria and Annie.
Sue and Kirsty are besties and could not be more alike or different! Both soft spoken, creative and with calm traits. They sew beautifully, make their surroundings lovely and personify dignity and grace. My sister Susan was always painfully tidy, immaculate actually and remains so. Kirsty was naturally untidy as a teenager (more like her aunt) but has her Mama’s traits now.
Animal lovers – particularly dogs, a few rescued girl pups have joined the family and have been well loved and cared for throughout their dog lives. Gardens have been created and nurtured with hardworking hands. Kirsten grew up a dancer and teaches yoga with elegance and deep knowledge.
Professional women with varied and interesting careers – Sue leaving law behind for the final few years of working life in the busy but walk in/walk out routine of Australia Post whilst Kirsten, a qualified cardiac scientist has traded her regional hospital for opportunities here on the coast. I do have a sweet niece and sister.
They also ride motorbikes and have done so since either was age ready for the license! Kirsty hauled her dirt bike around in the back of her ute and could out ride the boys. Susan was one of the fastest skaters on four wheels and had no fear when it came to speed. They are capable and free spirited women who can pitch a tent, set up a campsite, dig a drain, and fix just about anything that busts around a house. Sue might knit soft bears but she also mows, paints, strips walls and floors, nails and drills and has a zest for challenge. Independent and principled, the ladies are as comfortable on the power tools at the community shed as enjoying a glass of wine at a charity event to supply women and girls with dignity bags.
They can be ying and yang! Kirsty enjoys cooking and creates wonders in my kitchen. Sue happily opens the canned salmon…lunch done! My sister is a dreamer. Her head is renovating and changing whilst Kirsten is practical and focussed. Sue calls her daughter, “The voice of reason!” They balance beautifully and wonderfully enjoy each other’s company. It’s fun and delightful to share time with them. I am blessed.
They live near me now, after so many years of military “wife” life during which I’d be calling another state, another country or one of nineteen houses, home – my sister and her gorgeous daughter literally live around the corner. Did I say I am blessed? Oh yes.
C Writes 