When I think of mottos, two spring to mind for my family when I was growing up: ‘Remember, as far as anyone knows, we are a nice normal family!’ which was displayed on a sign in my parents’ kitchen. And the second, which was suggested latterly and also made me chuckle: ‘I was normal once. It was the worst two minutes of my life!’
I think there is a theme going on here….
Whilst there is, of course, no such thing as a ‘normal’ family, there were some elements of my growing up which were a little unusual in NW London.
I grew up with foster siblings, a menagerie of animals including 28 rabbits, dogs with various behavioural needs, rescued hens who were scared of the outdoors and ducks who were terrified of water. I remember on caravan holidays, our awning being full of hutches (I have no idea looking back why my parents didn’t think to get someone to pop in and feed them at home!).
My father who had the best (inadvertent) comic timing, left school at 15. He returned to study to become a probation officer and worked in prisons, and latterly became a social worker in fostering and adoption. Even at nearly 80, he was still thinking how to help others in need. And I had a mother way ahead of her time, outspoken and passionate about inclusion, and a fierce advocate of equality. My Dad always recalls being wowed when they first met at fifteen, seeing her stand on a box at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park voicing her thoughts and ideas.
My sister and I learnt very early on that the challenges people experience are often invisible and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. As a gentle and collaborative soul by nature, I didn’t always find that space an easy one to inhabit but I have grown into it over the years.
Care and compassion along with a will and courage to be part of the healing solution, has always been what matters.
