by Susan Smith

Jenny was up extra early. A Sunday in early Spring, she was looking forward to the day. A new dress to wear to church. A short-sleeved floral. Calf-length with buttons down the front. She was pleased that the garment had cost only twenty dollars. Couldn’t have made it for that price. Sundays were always a good day for her and her little girl April, for they would spend the best part of the day with Gran.

Going into her daughter’s room, she opened the blind halfway, only allowing soft early morning rays to come in, so as not to shock her awake. April stirred and rolled over, kicking the linen blanket off herself. Knowing it would take her a few minutes to fully awaken, Jenny took the opportunity for a quick shower. After drying off, she applied some moisturiser to her face and legs then put on the dress. Styling her brown wavy hair in an updo using a banana clip, as was the trend in 1995 she combed her eyebrows into place and was satisfied with her appearance. Ever since having April, she rarely wore any type of makeup, which surprised her as much as anyone else as makeup had been an important part of her life for so long, in her teens even earning herself the nickname Polly, in reference to Polyfilla because of the thick layer of foundation she would apply. Trying to cover up those freckles, though nowadays she didn’t mind them. Not one bit. There were many things about herself she did not mind anymore. Jenny had put a lot of thought into why this was so. She’d concluded that it was something that had happened since giving birth to April. She had never been this relaxed and content. Time to get her dressed and breakfasted, so they could pick up Gran right on time. Gran would be ready and waiting at exactly 9.00am at the retirement village where she had a rather pleasant unit. ‘Morning Gran.’ Jenny got out of the car to meet her dear grandmother.

‘Hello Jen, you look lovely, what a nice frock.’ Gran looked at Jens dress with approval all over her face. ‘Let me just go and check the taps, and don’t let a cat in.’ 

 Jen stood guard by the front door also keeping an eye on her daughter who was waiting patiently in the car in her seat. Jen knew the drill. Or the routine. So did April. Gran suffered from moderate obsessive compulsive disorder. She did not know this though. Gran was ninety-five years old. Some may have put her behaviour down to old age, though this was not accurate. Jen had discussed this at length with her dad, and as far as he could remember his Mum had always had her little rituals and compulsions. It was not given a name though back in her day.

‘Did a cat come in Jen?’ Gran had her navy handbag over her arm and seemed ready for her door locking routine.

‘No cats, Gran, I made sure, all good, we ready?’

‘Yes, yes, ready,’ said Gran, looking around and checking that no cats were in sight. Gran set about locking her front door, shaking the handle then locking the screen door, shaking it. Jen helped Gran into the car, April joyous to see her. They were great friends. Jen drove slowly, they were on their way. Their church was five kilometres away. They were having a good time. Turning onto Rose Street about two thirds of the way there, Gran groaned.

‘You okay Gran?’ Jen glanced at her with concern.

‘Do you mind if we go back home, I forgot to check the taps were off, I don’t want a flood in the unit.’

‘It’s ok Gran, you did check the taps, I was there at your door when you did it, remember?’

‘No, I don’t think I did, we’re going to have to go back, please?’ Gran sounded quite anxious, and Jen understood. You see, Jen had mild obsessive-compulsive disorder herself. Her rituals and compulsions were different to Gran’s though.

‘Yes, of course we can go back Gran.’  Jen made a u- turn and they returned home.

‘Do you want me to come in with you or do you want to do this yourself?’

‘You stay in the car Jen with April, sorry about this, you must think I’m a foolish old woman.’ 

 ‘You know I don’t think that, it’s all good, we have plenty of time, do what you have to feel comfortable, April and I are fine,’ said Jen, handing April a sip cup with water and a cracker to munch on. 

Watching her grandmother walking to her front door Jen felt a powerful surge of love flow through her. Gran was a long way from being a foolish old woman. In fact, Gran was wise, extraordinary, fun, beautiful, elegant and lovely. Jen was fully aware that she was blessed to have this graceful woman in her life.

Ten minutes later Gran came out of her front door. Locked it, checked it was locked three times and then repeated the process with her screen door. Helping Gran into the car Jen and Gran grinned at each other in conspirator fashion.

Arriving at their church service with ten minutes to spare for the ‘Hello’s and how are you both,’ from the greetings usher and various friends and acquaintances they seated themselves in their usual spot. They sang hymns to their Father and Saviour and listened to a preaching from the Pastor where Gran fell promptly asleep. This was usual for Gran, and nobody ever seemed to mind. In fact, it would cause people to look across and smile. After the service there was always tea, coffee and biscuits to be enjoyed along with interesting conversations that were mostly about mighty Saviour Yahshua. 

Home to Gran’s for a lovely lunch, which she had prepared ahead the day before for easy serving. Another precious day spent together.

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Susan Smith grew up in Scotland, England, and Sydney, before making Western Australia her home. She enjoys reading, writing, and hiking the local bush and coastal trails.