Another dawn and Kookaburras laughed with the promise of rain .
The tropical breeze swept through and whispered an ancient memory on the salt bush plains .
The river ran again through our five acre property .
It had been dry too long . Three years of drought had taken Dad away from us .
Since his passing Mum and I tried to keep things going on the farm .
Feed had arrived too late for the sheep and most of the cattle had been sold at half of what they were worth .
Mum needed the money to pay off Dads outstanding debts .
It was still early and we hadn't got over Dads death but it wasn't for the want of trying .
After we had sold all the stock the only source of income we had came from the mangos on the property .
It was hard after dad died but Mangos kept Mum and I alive under that old rusty tin roof over our heads .
It was a harsh existence here in this place . Somedays can be a step away from hell here at times . The pestering flies and dust , the scorching sun and the loniliness .
But there's also a little piece of heaven here too with the wild birds and the river when it flows .
If you can stick it out through the dry seasons you can appreciate the desert blooms and the mangos .
For six years now Mum and I had been in the mango business .
I still remember the day she gave me a pair of new work boots and said ,
"Well son its just me and you now ".
I looked over at her as she stood at the stove cooking breakfast .
I loved her pancakes .
"Hows the weather out there . Are the mangos ready for picking yet son ?"
She never looked over as she turned over the pancakes .
'I heard the kookaburras early on having a laugh , so I think there's rain on the way . I should have all the mangos in boxes by tomorrow ."
I went over and stood beside her .
She took the pancakes from the pan and placed then on a plate and handed it to me saying .
"Hows the fence down by the desert gum by the river ?"
With a muttered response due to half a pancake in my mouth I replied ,
"I fixed it yesterday ."
Quick as a flash she asked ,
"Did you see that Brumbie around yet ? I shook my head and answered ,
"No . I think its gone somewhere else ." As I began to make my way over to the kitchen table she called after me ,
"Well son tell me then , Cindy won't mind living out here on the property with us ?"
I stopped and looked back and said , "No Mum , not a bit . I told you she can't wait to leave the big city ."
She took off her apron and said ,
"Ok then . I'll fix up her room today . Now have your breakfast . There's a lot to be done today ."
She headed out from the kitchen and into the shed .
As I eat breakfast I though about how times had changed for me thanks to Mum .
I still recall the day she wrote that letter to some TV Show in the city called The Bushie wants a bride .
I still remember the day all those city girls came out here to meet me and how I fell in love with Cindyat first sight .
Now we were to be married and wouldn't you know it she wants to live here with Mum and I .
Families like us are lucky I guess . Only three weeks to go and my name will be hers .
Mum likes Cindy and the same goes for Cindy too .
We're going to have a bush dance after the wedding .
Most people around here have met Cindy . They think she's great .
Now I had two best friends and thanks God life is good and so are the mangos .
The End
By Doctor Write
Originally Posted On Site: 2009-05-09 08:51:28
Last Login: 05.21.12
Visits as of 12-12-07: 153
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