The Golden Land by Di Morrissey

Author:Di Morrissey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Published: 2012-09-20T04:00:00+00:00

MARK WAS SETTLING INTO a routine. The novelty of being at home with the children all the time had worn off and things had become easier. Each morning Natalie kissed them all goodbye after breakfast and headed out the door to drive to Brisbane in Mark’s old work ute. She was home in the early evening to help Mark cope with lateafternoon tiredness, tantrums over toys and the juggling act of getting the dinner ready, bathtime and bed.

Mark, working in the kitchen, had revised his ideas about its renovation as he saw the more practical aspects of functioning in a space with small children. He realised that cooking utensils needed to be in easy reach, while childproof food storage was important and child-safe cupboards were paramount. He still took Charlotte and Adam to their favourite play centre, although infrequently, as he was now watching every dollar. Natalie’s friends there had taken him under their collective wing and occasionally asked him for his opinion on whatever specific child-rearing issue was being discussed. Often Mark was the one asked to help with a problem stroller or to lift a child down from the top of the slippery dip when they changed their mind about going down the slide. He listened and sometimes joined in the women’s discussions about local issues, sport and politics. He was pleased when they gave him hints for meals and snacks or recommended suitable children’s books and DVDs.

Being part of this group was a far cry from the onedimensional working world at the mine where conversation was pretty much work-related. Even at mealtimes, Mark had found that not many of his co-workers wanted to sit and chat at length or in depth about other subjects. The easy warmth of Natalie’s friends made him feel both welcome and supported.

‘Has the doctor given you any idea how much longer before we can bring Andrew home?’ Mark asked Natalie one night. ‘I told human resources today I was going to need more time off.’

‘I think a few more weeks. He’s gaining weight slowly. I tried breastfeeding him again today but he’s still not strong enough to suck properly, so they’ll continue tube feeding. The staff said it was going to be a slow process. But he’s hanging in there. There are little improvements every day,’ said Natalie. ‘I know it’s hard, but what can we do?’

‘I haven’t seen him for a couple of days. I’d like to go up sometime today and see his doctors as well,’ said Mark. ‘Vicki offered to help out if we needed her. Maybe she could watch the kids after preschool and you and I could go up together. Or if you want a day off, I can take your milk up.’

‘No, I’ll come with you. I like to feed him myself. So if it’s okay with Vicki to mind the kids, we could go up to see Andrew together.’

Later that day at the hospital, the medical staff told them both that, although Andrew was improving, he was still struggling with some breathing problems.

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