028 The Pearl

Pearl Lugger - Broome, North West Australia.

Pearls are precious to us my love,
they remind us that our love is strong and unique,
growing slowly and quietly,
year by year, layer by layer,
shining with a soft and pearly lustre.

Our pearls grew inside the tough shell
of an oyster that had its insides punctured.
In response to the painful wound
it grew a pearl to heal the scar.
Year by year, layer by layer,
such a beautiful and precious response.

May the pain and sorrow we all feel
in our punctured hearts
heal as a pearl,
with grace and beauty;
slowly and quietly
year by year, layer by layer.
So we will treasure, remember and speak of Mum
with a beautiful pearly lustre.

004 Mum’s Recipes

Your signature dish is written in your curly hand, a gentle cursive lilt that was present long before your fingers were sore.  The page is yellowing and boasts a sticky splash from years of wear.  All ingredients are listed but without you here, the new hand that turns the mixture won’t know when it ‘feels right’.  Other lists for well loved dishes refer to other people – tried and tested secrets passed on by close friends.  A book of recipes for love in action, more personal than a diary.