Stepping up to the plate!
It was just me and my five day old son in the hospital room, when the paediatrician came to give him the last check over before the “all clear” to go home. The room was packed up and my husband was en route home with the flowers and other bits and pieces that we had accumulated since Zigi had decided to surprise by coming early. I was happy and content in that “this is my second kid, I’ve got this” kind of way. I had just had a five day “holiday” from the madness that life was with a Miss 2 in the mix. Despite dealing with the 2 hourly merry go round that is a new baby, Zigi was doing all the right things at all the right times so I was relaxed at the thought of bringing him home. Little did I know my world was about to be rocked with news that would ultimately change its course forever.
People speak of things going still and silent in the moment they receive unexpected news. That was how it was for me as the paediatrician told me he wanted to do a blood test for Down Syndrome. I saw his lips move as the words were delivered and in slow motion I looked down at my son, so perfect, so happy, wriggling around unaware of the impact the words were having on me. My thoughts swirled with questions and then instantly to how my husband and I would cope. The curveball was coming at me and all I could think was how I was going to catch it.
That moment in my life was defining but it does not define me. It was the moment I can pin point as the beginning of my family’s new adventure that has brought us inexplicable joy. It was the instant in which my perspective changed, my ignorance was challenged and my grit was tested.
We have all had these moments. Some more dramatic, some less so. I could list others that have happened in my life before this and some that have happened since. In every case “what happened” is less important than our response.
This blog is my rumination about how we respond when curveballs come our way.
I am Zinta Harris. I live in Brisbane, Australia with my husband of 20 plus years, Craig (known by most as Harry) and our two children Teja and Zigi. At the moment we share our 100 year old weatherboard home with an ancient cat Kahlua, two guinea pigs – Caramel Fudge and Fluffy Diamond, two snails named Woody and Branch and a praying mantis called Snappy.
I am a specialist estates and business succession lawyer by day and inspiration seeker by night. I help everyday Australian families manage the fallout after the loss of a loved one and help business owners set up right to minimise fallout if a curveball comes their way.
My mood is better after a daily double shot coffee and a glass or two of vino and I am ok with that. I love to dance to vinyl records and live bands. I get my energy from people. I am big on entertaining at home and if I ever get the chance, I indulge in the type of cooking that takes a day. I don’t have it all together, but I am surrounded by an amazing village of grandparents, my church family, friends and neighbours who help me keep sane.
My superpower is encouraging others. I get the pom poms out and pop the champagne cork to celebrate when others have wins big or small. It is my sincere hope that this blog will encourage you. I hope it gives you a chance to chime in with your experience or to feel part of a community that has walked through a valley and made it through.
So here goes! I am (with some nerves and a fair chunk of excitement) stepping up to the plate! Yet I know you will each have your own “curveball experiences” so please do jump in with your comments and tips on how you dealt with yours!
Go for it girl! A great article -beautifully written and an honest account of life.
Thanks Kate! You have been such an integral part of our village! Your support means so much!
Fabulous Zinta! I am excited to follow your blog. Tough times and curve balls don’t define who we are but rather help us to adjust our axis, straighten our hats and find a new normal going forward…
Losing a husband to mental illness and raising 2 children on my own for 5 years helped me to not sweat the small stuff and appreciate the blessings in life no mater how big or how small….Everyone has their tough times and my journey has certainly made me be kinder, listen better and appreciate the beautiful bits in us all!
Thanks so much Allayne! See – I didn’t know about your story fully until now. I think there is great power in sharing our journeys through the valley and how we have made it through. Thank you for your encouragement and awesome insights. And thank you for following my blog! You are the first!
Yay! I’m so excited for you… and for us as readers of your blog! I know Jesus wants us to share our lives and love with each other. Thank you for choosing to be so vulnerable. ?
My beautiful friend and soul sister Sharon! Thank you for your excitement and encouragement! I have to say I am totally in the “flow” at the moment! It is exciting, but a little scary!
Thankyou for the hug on Sunday and the total understanding of my ‘sigh’ which I didn’t even realize had escaped my lips. Very much looking forward to following your blog and hopefully learning some wisdom from you along the way. Getting slammed with a few curve balls over here too. Thank goodness we aren’t facing them alone.
? Kristie
PS I think my daughter is totally in love with your family, and rightfully so.
Hey Kristie! I am always up for a hug! Sometimes there are no words, and sighs and hugs are good enough!You guys are doing SUCH an amazing job with your “tapestry” family! Our village and our tribe are so important to us, as I am sure it is to you! We can’t do it alone – in fact we are not meant to! I am so glad to have re-connected with you guys! We love Ami too!
Wow cus, what a gift you have. Very engaging already, I look forward to following your journey & love a good read xxx
Well done
Thanks Karline! So cool that you can “catch up” on my life’s meanderings this way! Say hi to the rest of the Adelaide cousins for me!
Thank you Zinta. Your story inspires and encourages.
Thanks Di for your lovely feedback. It is the very reason I have started this blog!
Love you Z xx
Mmmwwaaahhh!
Zinta, congratulations on this blog, I will certainly be reading along. You have always been on my list of “wow women” who seem to have it all figured out. I think you have many many super powers. Keep just going for it.
Thanks Prue! Isn’t it funny how we never see ourselves quite as “wow” as others see us! Thanks for your encouragement! PS I think you are a #wowwoman yourself!
What wonderful words. I think we all at one time or another have had to deal with lifes many and varied challenges. We all handle things differently that is for sure.
To share something so personal is nothing short of inspirational.
Thanks Belinda. I think anyone who gets through the adversity that comes their way is inspirational. I do hope others will share their journey too for the very reason you point out, we all handle things differently. Thanks for reading.
Zinta, congratulations. I’ve been captured already and know your words will help and encourage so many x
Thanks for jumping on an reading! It is my greatest hope that it will encourage others.