LUKY;
MUCH TO MY SURPRISE AND DELIGHT, MY SON MANAGED TO GET JOBS FOR HIMSELF AND HIS SISTER DURING THE CHRISTMAS RUSH AT A LOCAL DEPARTMENT STORE.
She started before him, because he was still writing exams.
It was with a strange feeling that I walked into the shop at 5pm on her first working day.
She caught sight of me before I recognized her - small wonder, dressed as she was in a monstrous brick-red overall. It did nothing for her looks, being big enough for two of her.
My heart contracted. Here was my first little birdie flying out of the nest, and look what they'd done to her.
Yet what a smile she gave me.
Meal check
"You're looking very efficient in that smart overall", I lied, trying to make it sound sincere.
After all, why prick the bubble of her obvious enjoyment? "What did you have for lunch?"
"They've got a cooked lunch here in the cafeteria", she replied evasively. "Very nice; only thirty-five cents".
She's her father's daughter all right when it comes to throwing red herrings in my path, but I'm wide awake: "In that case, why did you buy a chocolate and an apple instead?"
"Oh, Ma! Well, I had a chocolate and a cold drink."
"As from tomorrow, you have your proper cooked lunch here. They can take the thirty-five cents off your earnings."
"What, and deplete my pay packet? Not on your life. Besides, you know Daddy hates us to get anything on account."
Everything's fine
The only time my children's parents are ever quoted is when they've said something to suit their offspring.
"Well," I went on, "I suppose your father will have to give you the thirty-five cents. How did the work go?"
"Oh, it's lovely! I love the staff, I love the customers. You know, if they couldn't afford to pay me, I'd work for nothing."
Skeptically, I commented: "That must be why you're so flush with your cash."
All the same, I could share her feeling. I've always loved working with the public myself.
"If you're ever tempted to be rude to someone", I said, "remind yourself that he might just be a king in disguise - or a television talent scout."
"That's not necessary", she answered. "I love them all. And they're all nice to me!"
She indicated the merchandise arrayed on her counter with an air as proprietary as it was proud.
"Can't I sell you anything?"
"I don't smoke, thanks", I replied, eyeing the pipes and tobacco. "Besides, I'm a miser - like you. I'm off now, but I'll be parked near the entrance. Bye."
Sales talk
"Oh, just a minute", she called after me in a routine kind of voice I'd never heard her use before.
"On Friday afternoon at 4pm Father Christmas, Mickey Mouse and Dumbo will be visiting the shop.
They'll be giving out free toys, sweets and balloons. Bring your children."
"I'll do that", I promised, giggling all the way back to my car, though not in any derisive way.
Nobody ever told me one could feel so proud of a daughter who works in gents' sundries in the local department store.
Catherine Nicolette
Ah yes. My first job. At age seventeen, I was really surprised that Mom thought I looked smart.
I had seen my reflection in the department store mirror, and suffice it to say that no-one was ever going to sing 'You're Beautiful, it's true' when faced with the brick-red overall monstrosity.
It flapped around my middle every time I turned around, and I had to pin up the cuffs which - left untended - reached long past my extended fingertips.
Anyhow, I wasn't going to disillusion Mom as regards my appearance; if I looked good, well that was not only a blessing - it was a departmental miracle.
Map of Africa
I had landed in the gents department, and busily sold wallets with choices of the map of Africa, rhinoceros themes or giraffes loping across the bushveld on them.
I enjoyed work from day one; even if some days later I first learned the wisdom of Mom's advice to keep my opinion firmly to myself when dealing with others.
Although a talent scout never came my way.
Champagne flutes and whisky tumblers
I graduated from gents' sundries to glassware; unpacking champagne flutes and whisky tumblers on to glass shelves, and finding out what a truly aching back and painful arches meant.
I was then promoted to security guard on Christmas Eve at the costume jewellery store.
All I remember of my security guard time was praying ardently to Divine Providence not to let anyone try to pinch any items on my shift.
I could not bear the thought of having to turn anyone in for shoplifting on the Eve before the Lord's Birthday; it somehow did Not Seem Right.
Added to which I seriously doubted my ability to tackle customers from the Free State, celebrated as it is for its well built rugby player population
I spent my shift sweating anxiously at the thought of having to run after a shoplifter.
I was sure I'd never catch up to them - my brick red overall would trip me up first ...
Thankfully no one pinched.
Redundant
I was outraged in New Year's week to find that after all my loyal and hard work, my holiday job had been made redundant.
"Sorry luv", I was told, "Temps only work for a coupla weeks when we have the Christmas rush, no call for ya now."
I was disgruntled until I landed a job as relief operator at the [now] old-fashioned switchboard.
Anyone who had the fortune to watch 'Nommer Asseblief" many years ago will appreciate the pivotal role the switchboard operator had.
I was useless at it, though. I disgraced myself by panicking when the lights lit up all over the board.
On my third day as relief operator, I efficiently disconnected the Head Boss from a very important consultation with Management.
The next day I was gently referred to work as assistant clerk and typist, where I revelled in paperwork, filing cabinets. office gossip and the joys of overboiled tea.
I worked there until I went off to University. That is another story ...
Vintage
I heard the other day that anyone from the eighties is now considered 'vintage'.
I bashfully eschewed imparting the information that my first workdays were pre-vintage; the seventies.
They were such fun...
Image by Catherine Nicolette
LUKY;
I DON'T KNOW WHETHER IT'S THE SAME WHERE YOU'RE LIVING, BUT I OFTEN SAW POSTERS WARNING PEOPLE NOT TO HAVE BIG FAMILIES.
Perhaps I'm unduly sensitive, but I take exception to posters showing hordes of neglected-looking children and implying they're the victims of parents who lack a sense of responsibility.
Has it occurred to those disseminating the posters that some of us might like to have big families?
Why try and shame us out of that perfectly natural desire?
Old-time picture
When I went for my smallpox injection before going overseas, I saw a large poster on the clinic wall promoting family planning. It showed an old family photograph, taken I suppose some seventy years ago.
To me it looked terribly sweet: father, mother and eight or nine youngsters aged from two to twenty. It was, however, meant to serve as a grim warning.
There was also a photograph of an attractive young couple playing with their children in a playground.
The caption pointed out that they only had two children, not because of God or nature or natural birth control, but because the wife regularly paid a visit to the outpatients clinic of a hospital for her supply of contraceptives.
Sarcasm regretted
I was up in arms at once. As the nurse pulled back my sleeve, I sweetly offered to supply a more recent photo of a large family for her art gallery - my own family. "Maybe you could use that for your awful warning", I suggested.
She smiled uncertainly and I felt instantly ashamed. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, after all.
However, my shame was shortlived. Reading a magazine on the plane to my destination, I came across an article entitled "Your child costs R60 000".
I boiled over that article. For goodness' sake, can you work out the worth of your child in rands and cents? If not, why work out its cost?
More than we do
Besides, when I read how the R60 000 was made up, it soon became evident that I spend a lot less than that on my kids; we just didn't earn that kind of money, and there's nothing healthier for a child than to have to do without certain things in life, provided he receives the necessities and a lot of love.
But I can see how a struggling young couple could be frightened silly reading that article. No wonder contraception plays such a large role in people's lives.
It's your decision
So do I feel everyone should have a large family? On the contrary. Just as the boat was missed with sterilisation programmes, so would anyone who veered the other way. The ultimate decision as to the size of a family rests with the parents concerned.
Moreover, health authorities, an intelligent mother or an understanding doctor should be the people to approach for advice on one's family planning.
But why can't natural ways of family planning be offered like the Billings method, instead of merely supplying contraceptives paid for by the taxpayer's money?
There are thousands of single or widowed people leading celibate lives, no matter what the media tell you to the contrary. Are married couples deemed incapable of making a sacrifice?
Catherine Nicolette
Having grown up in a large family, I can attest to the distinct benefit thereof.
There is always at least one of your siblings who will talk to you; it is possible to fall out with five siblings.
The full six I never yet managed.
Family Reunion
My cousin who is an inveterate party thrower had a family get together last year.
The family count was as follows; Auntie Elly and Uncle Johnny had five children.
Uncle Josje and Auntie Bren had five.
Uncle Roks and Auntie Mieks had three children, while we Whittles number seven [six on earth, one in heaven].
Add to the party number the in-laws and fiancées and the get together [with the addition of many grandchildren] was a hectic event.
There were people everywhere. I kid you not.
It was the best night ever.
We celebrated with adult relatives whom we have known from the moment of the exciting news of their impending arrival, the nine months of which were counted until the great event occurred.
That is a bond like no other.
Truly a reunion to remember.
Joyous Event
I thus have openhearted acceptance of big families.
The introduction of a new baby to our community is a joyous blessing.
Notwithstanding this optimistic viewpoint, many find themselves unable to support large families today due to the constraints of a stretched economic climate.
Spacing children evenly according to economic ability is a responsible attitude.
Contraception
I am somewhat hesitant, however, about forms of contraception which can reportedly prove injurious to the woman.
Birth control pills can reportedly have side effects such as blood clots, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. [1]
The risk is held to be low, but it is tragic when a nineteen year old has a stroke and can only speak with the left side of her mouth while her right arm and legs flop uselessly at her side.
Depo Provera may reportedly result in loss of significant bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. [2]
Depo-Provera may allegedly also have an abortifacient effect [prevention of the implantation of an already conceived child]. [3]
The Mirena Coil reportedly has the risk of Organ Perforation, where the device perforates or penetrates the organ's walls. [4]
Natural Family Planning
So what is the answer? Responsible spacing of children is essential for a struggling couple, so they may have peace of mind.
Then when their personal bundle of joy comes along, they will know they can care for the little one.
Natural methods of responsible family planning can be used.
These methods are reportedly chemical free and internal device free..
More information can be found at the link below. [5] & [6]
Ovulation Home Tests can prove helpful. [7]
The Billings Method has been used by many. [8]
So if you want to space your family, why not consider the natural options?
Your health is your wealth ...
[1] Medline Plus; Birth Control Pills - Overview, Alleged News
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007460.htm
[2] Web MD; Birth Control and Depo-Provera, Alleged News
http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-depo-provera
[3] Depo-Provera - Human Life International - Alleged News
www.hli.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/PLTP-Depro-Provera-Inject... · PDF file
[4] Mirena IUD Organ Perforation, Alleged News
http://www.drugdangers.com/mirena/organ-perforation.htm
[5] FPA; Natural Family Planning, Alleged News
http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/natural-family-planning
[6] Fertility Awareness; Natural Family Planning (NFP), Alleged News
http://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/natural-family-planning/
[7] Medline Plus; Ovulation Home Tests, Alleged News
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007062.htm
[8] Billings Method, Alleged News
http://www.thebillingsovulationmethod.org/
With thanks to Nlm.nih.gov/ WebMD/ Hli.org/ Drugdangers.com/ Fpa.org.uk/ Americanpregnancy.org/ thebillingsovulation ethod.org
