The Gift

I remember as a little girl I loved getting presents, I mean who doesn’t?!  Even today if we are honest with ourselves, we love getting a beautifully wrapped gift to open.  Everyone opens presents different, some may just rip it open off excited to see what is under the colourful paper and bows, but some just methodically take the parcel apart trying not to rip the paper so that it can be used again.  As a child I think I was a definite paper ripper!  But as I got older, I did like taking my time, relishing what was in the parcel. 

As most of you who follow my blog would know on Friday the 6th, I celebrated my 60th birthday.  I still can’t quite get my head around that number because I’m not sure what 60 is supposed to feel like.  I personally feel like I just celebrated my 20th birthday for the 3rd time and I am just wiser, or at least I hope I am!

I have been with my Para Cycling teammates for the past 7 weeks as we prepare for Tokyo, and I was treated to a wonderful birthday with them. I also received hundreds (literally) of messages from around Australia and the world, flowers, phone calls and a beautiful card from my mother.  But I must say the best gift that I have ever received in my entire life was sent to me, not wrapped in brightly coloured paper and bows but electronically and publicly by my beautiful younger sister Cynthia.  It was a poem that she tells me was easy to write.  It is the most beautiful thing I have ever received, and it brought me to tears.  It also took me about 4 reads to realise how much of our life she has captured in one short poem.

It has been hard, the last year and a half, as the world knows.  Dealing with this pandemic has split families around the world and mine is no different.  Missing them hurts to the absolute core of my being and this one poem brought that all home to me.  But I am so grateful that through technology we can keep in touch.  I want to share my gift with all of you.  Thank you, Cynthia, for making my day and thank you for being the best little sister anyone could and for sending me the best gift ever!  I love you.

I LOOK UP TO YOU

I look up to you and you take my hand,

Across to school we go as planned.

Safe and loved, I know you’re there,

Braver and stronger ‘cause I know we’re a pair.

So much to see, so much to do

Riding, jumpsies, gymnastics, swings, the neighbourhood crew.

The fort, the dishes, the cottage, ‘playing’ store,

Barbies, Cardiff pool, the parties (wow) and so much more.

A teacher, a guide, through challenges and strife,

Beautifully bossy, pure confidence in life.

A partner, a friend, in the silliness too.

Respecting our differences all the way through.

Life has unravelled in a mysterious way,

But knowing it’s right on course is how we play.

Zoom, facetime, calls, what time do we start?

Losing connection, no worries, always connected by heart.

Heaven and Hell, we’ve been through both gates,

We were born and bred to be soul mates.

The euphoria of possibility that might be brought,

Bound and cemented in positive thought.

60 years focused, you’re a force from within

I look up to you and I see your wise grin.

Safe and loved, I know you’re there.

Braver and stronger cause I know we’re a pair.

Carol Cooke AM – Finding Your Inner Gold