It takes a special type of family to be foster carers for young children particularly in emergency situations. ‘My Mob at Christmas’ is told in the first-person by fourteen-year-old Sean who helps his mother with children needing emergency care.
It’s Christmas time and the house is full of noisy happy children all piling on to help with preparations but it’s not to last. All the children are returning to their families for Christmas and Sean is upset that there won’t be a big mob for Christmas it will just be he and his Mum.
The story progresses through the next year and Sean tells of the late-night calls, the scared shy toddlers, the sick new-borns and the conflict and difficulties they have with some of the children. We learn of his unhappiness at times and his plan to run-away but we also see the love and compassion he and his mother have for the children.
Another Christmas completes the story but this time these children are staying for the celebrations and Sean finally has his big mob for Christmas.
A simple tale told from unique viewpoint but one packed with emotion that tells of the love and care that some families provide to others in a time of need.
Vicki Griffin belongs to the Darawal people from the Shoalhaven area of the South coast of New South Wales.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
