Mummy on a Mission

When mummy returned from SA, she was on a mission. A mission for a swing, not just any ordinary swing, no, that would simply not do, she, uhm, I was on a mission to get a tyre swing hung in the backyard.

After weeks of dropping gentle hints and suggestions, leaving bookmarked pages open on the iPad on “How to make a tyre swing” and downright nagging…the evening finally arrived when Papa had just had enough of the sighing and the moaning and the “wouldn’t it be nice if Shabd had a swing!”

Out he strode, a man on a mission, straight to the garage to procure this prodigal tyre – and swing it would become, come hell or high-water!

It took 3 men (2 granddads and a Papa), 3 days, 2 jigsaws and a drill to get the swing made. And what an exciting time the men had, gathering in Chacha’s workshop in the late evenings conferring on the best way to cut the tyre, weight distribution, optimal cut length.



On the eve of the 3^rd night, Papa and Dada secured the swing onto the branch of the majestic olive tree. Shabd, not understanding what all this fuss was about, obligingly scrambled onto the swing and said “Swing-swing. Swing-swing” while mummy clapped furiously, wiping a little tear away.



The swing is beautiful. Dada, the ever cautious safety inspector has ensured that it’s been padded for extra protection - to ensure little hands are not chaffed and the backs of little knees are not hurt. Papa, a stickler for independence has ensured the swing is just the right height so that Shabd can get on and off on his own. Mummy and Dadi, are content pushing Shabd on the swing.

Shabd got onto the swing again this afternoon; he laid his head back on the swing and stared up at the green canopy, listening as the leaves gently whispered the secrets of the universe to him. There was so much peace and tranquility in that moment; it felt as if God himself was holding his breath.

It’s the little things that make a childhood what it should be, carefree. I want Shabd to think back on childhood and know that he was loved so much that Papa made him a swing which hung from an old olive tree.