Commitment ’26

“Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose – and commit myself to – what is best for me.”  Paulo Coelho

I have returned from a short break visiting family members in Queensland, this was a special commitment for me.  Taking time off my usual work week(s) and visiting family to welcome new family members and catch up with the new parents.  Working for myself provides the opportunity to take this time off and celebrate with them all and allows me the freedom to choose when and where this happens.

I appreciate that my son came to collect and deliver me to the airport, as this is some distance from their family home and takes time away from the new family which has grown significantly in a short period of time.

Most people make a huge commitment when having children and this couple is no different than most.  But they have also made a commitment for both their own and other people’s children and this to me is a huge commitment of love, trust and family.

I had the honour of assisting in a small way whilst visiting and participating in their daily life.  I also managed to wangle some time on their newly acquired land and attempted to assist in relocating the cattle to the new paddock.  Well, I mostly watched from a distance.  I did, however, assist in pouring some medication (of what I do not know) on one of the cow’s back – this was short lived due to my nervousness (and the cow’s displeasure).  Farm life is not a choice or commitment for me!

I managed to watch a few games of the now preferred sport whilst visiting and enjoyed a few meals out whilst away.  A quick trip to the pub and club with a takeaway pizza during the game. 

Thankfully one of the games of soccer was at Airlie Beach, so I managed a quick trip up the coast, but this was limited due to having a midday flight from the nearest town.  On the way to the airport, we had a detour to look at another cow, managed to wrangle the young ones who got up close and too personal for my liking.  Talk about taking this for the team!  I didn’t quite jump the fence but did manage to get closer if they continued to harass me for a scratch or two.  Thankfully the young ones decided the blokes gave more attention than me.

I did not take on the opportunity to meet and greet the bulls those – viewed those from the safety of outside the fence line.

Looking forward to watching this family’s commitment – to both the children and the farm life that they have chosen.