Personal

When I was 6

THE YEAR OF FIRSTS AND ADVENTURES

There are some wonderful poems written by Alan Alexander Milne, better know as A.A. Milne. Born in England in 1882 he is best known for his stories about Winnie-the-Pooh.

Less well known are his books of children’s’ verses – When We Were Very Young (1924) and Now We are Six (1927). I was introduced to both books of verse as a toddler and am still able to recall some of the verses. The poems he wrote focus on the first 6 years of life – I was smitten by one particular the line “….now I am Six, I’m as clever as clever…..”

Some readers might shake their head, in disbelief, while reading this post – but each of the events, described below, occurred and I learned many significant life lessons during this period of my life.

Starting Primary School

The year I turned 6 was a momentous year. I was more than ready to start primary school. As I was tiny, in stature, none of the regular school uniforms fitted me …each covered my body like a tent.

Consequently, the school outfitters had to design a number of ‘special’ uniforms for me. I think they heaved a sigh of relief when I grew and ‘regular’ uniforms could be bought.

After a number of fittings I eventually acquired my uniforms. I relished the opportunity of attending school and had difficulty waiting for the school year to begin.

Problems with my Eyes:

I was diagnosed with astigmatism and short sightedness at the age of 2; spectacles became ‘the order of the day’ and I quickly became accustomed to wearing them.

When, however, I commenced school it was decided that I needed to wear a black patch on my left/strong eye in order to strengthen my right eye. In order to enhance the process I attended weekly eye exercise sessions simultaneously throughout this period.

Of course this patch was to be worn in the classroom. I wonder whether any of my peers thought there was a pirate in the room. Having to wear the patch certainly did not interfere with my learning or enjoying myself on the playground at recess and lunch.

Buying a Present

In May I was allowed to go to the city, by bus, on my own, to buy a present for Mother’s Day. As my mother did not have a Driver’s licence, we were well acquainted with our regular bus drivers and conductors. In fact, my young brother invited all the bus employees to his birthday party and some duly arrived to celebrate with us.

Having arrived in the city there was only 1 major road I needed to cross in order to arrive at the department shop where I intended buying my present. I was unaware of the fact that my movements were being watched by a member of my father’s staff – to ensure that I was indeed safe. Being a responsible child, I ensured that I crossed the road at the robot/traffic light and headed into the shop finding my way to the perfume and talc counter.

Apparently I asked the sales person for flea powder…after all that was what we used on our cat. I think it would have been difficult for her to remain poker face as she recommended talcum powder as a more suitable alternative! Having paid for this special gift, which was then wrapped in pretty paper, I exited the shop and returned to the bus stop to begin my journey home. A most successful outing indeed.

My mother greeted me with smiles and a hug upon my return, no doubt breathing a sigh of relief that I was home. I proudly presented the gift to her on Mother’s Day.

Operation

I think I could have been awarded a page in the Guinness book of Records for infections and antibiotics. Winter this year proved to be extremely challenging so it was decided that my tonsils and adenoids would need to be removed and an operation was scheduled during the midyear school holidays. Jelly and ice cream were the highlights of my post-op days. Subsequently life, and especially breathing, became much easier – and I was soon running around again…..I haven’t stopped since…..

First Flight

At the end of my first school year I was invited to visit my grandparents who resided in Uitenhage, 740 kilometres from my home. This would be my first flight and my excitement increased each day and I had difficulty waiting for THE day to arrive.

At the airport the official placed my ticket in a transparent envelope which bore a tag informing the cabin staff that I was an unaccompanied minor. I boarded the plane together with a few other youngsters and we were seated prior to the other passengers arrival. It was a 1 hour 20 minute flight and we received VIP treatment.

In Uitenhage I was ‘spoilt rotten’ by my adoring grandparents and was entranced by the range of play equipment in the neighbourhood park. I also acquired a ‘best friend’, the daughter of a local shop owner who resided nearby. Our friendship resumed each time I visited my grandparents. A number of other children, from a range of locations, were also visiting their grandparents so I acquired a number of ‘new’ friends. Many years later some of us are still in contact and , coincidentally, a few of them reside in Melbourne.

Having enjoyed a wonderful holiday, the ‘seasoned’ traveller boarded the flight home eager to share all my wonderful adventures and present my family with the gifts I had bought for them…no doubt with the money provided by my grandparents!!!.

To date I have the letter I wrote to my parents, from Uitenhage, asking about my brother and informing them that I ate chicken and mushroom sors on the plane.

Truly an amazing year.

Take care, stay safe, remember that smiling and laughter are good for all of us.