Twenty seven years ago give or take a day or two, Himself and I were in a worn around the edges suburban park in Johannesburg. It was uncomfortably hot and sweat was running down my spine and plastering my fringe to my forehead.
We were on a bit of a mission and despite the midday heat, were out walking. I can clearly remember the decommissioned old steam train with countless layers of thick shiny black paint covering every last inch. In spite of the metal being hot to the touch, kids happily played in and on the old monster. Strangely Himself has no recollection of the engine despite him loving trains.
I felt listless and, although normally not supressed by heat, I felt heavy and drained and very uncomfortable.
There'd been very little rain and the grass, though watered by the municipality, had a crunch to it as we walked towards some trees with benches in their shade. We sat a while, which although being out of the direct sun was no cooler. The stilled air clung around and stuck to our skin, at least whilst we'd been walking, we'd caused a small draft which our sweat drenched bodies were grateful for.
Eventually we turned back towards the car. Which had the glorious promise of aircon. Himself was careful and concerned and took me back home. I was what felt like 12 months pregnant with our first born son and he was two weeks over due. The ruddy faced midwife had cheerfully told us that walking would shift 'the little lodger' and so we walked, or rather Himself did while I waddled feeling the size of a house.
Sunday was his 27th birthday and we celebrated the best way we knew how - family, food, stories, candles, cake, films, pancakes, cats, gardening and fun. Happy birthday Eldest !
The only time his feet were small........