Leaning out windows

Queensland was a long drive but it was here that the family settled in 1965. John took on a new position at Comet Windmills after being dismissed from Reynold Chains in Victoria. It was time for a new start.

Everything was different, even the weather. Morning play outside for the children required beanies to guard against the crisp cool air. By lunch, Judy was swapping beanies for sun hats as the air began to warm and the humidity rose.

It was in the days before air-conditioning. The houses stood on stilts designed to catch a cool breeze during the hot and humid days. Windows were often left open to facilitate a "through breeze", to ventilate and cool the rooms within.

Judy made friends with the other wives, learning to play squash, meeting them at the gym and sharing the occasional lunch together. The kids were always with her except perhaps on the weekend when a few stolen hours could be spent alone at the shops. Life revolved mostly around meal and nap times for the children, creating a daily rhythm for life. 

One day after putting Paul down for his midday nap Judy went out to the shops leaving John in charge. Returning home, she parked the car in front of the open carport. As she got out of the car she looked up to see her baby boy leaning precariously out of the bedroom window.  He held his bottle in one hand and waved with the other. Milk dripped onto the car roof below. Oblivious to the danger he smiled delightedly.

Judy recalls keeping Paul in conversation as she moved carefully and slowly up the front stairs trying not to show too much alarm as her heart raced. Containing her panic, she made her way to his room. She chatted constantly with him, in an even voice willing him not to lean any further out the window. As soon as she was close enough, she put her arms around his chest and pulled him off the window sill.  The relief that followed was almost overwhelming.

Sepia Saturday: Using Old Images As Prompt for New Reflections – Prompt 523