Most Recent: December 31, 1969
As a professional carer, I have the privilege of stepping into the lives and homes of many remarkable individuals. Each home tells a unique story, and every detail within it holds significance, reflecting the personality and history of its occupant. Among all the homes I visit, one that stands out is that of Mrs Thompson, an elderly lady whose vibrant kitchen splashback brings extraordinary joy into her life.
Mrs. Thompson lives in a quaint, cosy cottage in town. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the warmth and love poured into every corner of her home. The living room is filled with photos of her family, many dating back decades. Her bookshelf is a treasure trove of classic literature, and the faint scent of lavender always lingers in the air, creating a comforting atmosphere.
But the heart of Mrs Thompson’s home is undoubtedly her kitchen and, more specifically, the splashback that adorns it. It’s not the most luxurious or expensive feature, but to Mrs Thompson, it’s priceless.
The glass splashback is a beautiful mosaic of brightly coloured tiles depicting a serene garden scene with birds, flowers, and butterflies. Every tile seems to tell a story, capturing the essence of a perfect spring day. Mrs. Thompson’s face lights up every time she looks at it, and it’s easy to see why. The splashback was a labour of love, a project she undertook with the help of her late husband, Mr. Thompson.
“I remember the day we decided to do it,” Mrs. Thompson often recalls with a twinkle in her eye. “We were sitting in the garden, enjoying a cup of tea, and I told him how lovely it would be to bring a bit of our garden into the kitchen. He looked at me and said, ‘Why don’t we?’ And that was it. We spent weeks picking out the tiles, each chosen carefully.”
Despite being on a budget, the Thompsons created something special. They sourced the tiles from various places—some from local shops, others from second-hand stores, and even a few from friends who had leftovers from their projects.
Working on the splashback brought them closer, resulting in a stunning piece of art that has become the centrepiece of Mrs Thompson’s kitchen. She loves to recount how Mr. Thompson meticulously placed each tile while she handed them to him, offering encouragement and sharing laughs along the way.
Now, years after Mr. Thompson’s passing, the splashback is a daily reminder of their love and the beautiful times they shared. It’s more than just a decoration; it’s a symbol of their partnership, creativity, and the simple joys they found in each other’s company.
Whenever I visit, Mrs. Thompson insists on making a cup of tea for us both. We sit at her kitchen table, basking in the vibrant glow of the splashback. She often traces her fingers over the tiles, recounting stories from her youth, the adventures she and Mr. Thompson had, and the cherished memories embedded in each mosaic piece.
One of her favourite stories is about a blue tile with a tiny chip in the corner. “We found this one at a little shop by the seaside,” she says. “It was their last one, and I almost didn’t buy it because of the chip. But George insisted, saying it added character. And now, every time I see it, I think of that lovely day by the sea.”
The splashback is a testament to the beauty that can be found in imperfection and the joy that can be derived from simple, meaningful projects. It reminds us that happiness doesn’t come from expensive, extravagant purchases but from the love and effort we put into the things that matter to us.
As a carer, witnessing Mrs Thompson’s daily interaction with her beloved splashback has been a profound experience. It’s a beautiful example of how our environments can significantly impact our well-being and happiness. Whenever I see her eyes light up as she looks at those tiles, I’m reminded of the power of love, creativity, and shared experiences.
In my line of work, it’s easy to get caught up in the practical aspects of caregiving—ensuring medications are taken, meals are prepared, and appointments are kept. However, Mrs Thompson’s splashback is a gentle reminder of care's emotional and psychological aspects.
Mrs. Thompson’s splashback is more than just a beautiful feature in her home; it symbolises enduring love, creativity, and the simple joys that make life unique. And every time I visit, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share in that joy and to be a part of her incredible story.