In her acclaimed memoir, Glitter and Glue, Kelly Corrigan delves into the complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. This excerpt captures the essence of her journey as she navigates life far from home, particularly when she finds herself in Australia, pondering her decisions and the voice of her mother echoing in her mind.
“I shouldn’t be here,” I realize as I trail behind John Tanner through his suburban Australian home. I should have called to say I wasn’t interested after the interview, but I felt cornered. My finances were dwindling, and the thought of returning to my mother’s home within a month was too daunting to bear.
This situation is her fault, I think, as I drop my backpack on a narrow bed in a room lacking windows but boasting a skylight. John Tanner reassures me, “I hope this will work out.” If only my mother had offered me some financial support… a small loan would have made a world of difference.
“This isn’t what I envisioned for myself,” I choke down the unsettling realization as John mentions how excited his kids are to welcome me as their new nanny. “First nanny and all,” he chuckles.
Yes, a nanny. I never planned to land in this position upon arriving in Sydney. I had dreams of bartending or waitressing—jobs that promised good pay and plenty of social interaction. My friend Tracy and I had spent two months traveling, burning through our savings. Upon our arrival in Sydney, we applied to numerous restaurants and bars that seemed approachable. Seven days in, we expanded our search to less conventional establishments, but no one was interested in hiring us.
After three weeks, we reluctantly turned to the help-wanted ads, all of which offered nanny positions in the suburbs—a far cry from the excitement we sought. I initially chose a wealthy family with an indoor pool, but it quickly turned into a nightmare with a bossy matriarch who fired me after I protested her unrealistic expectations.
I then interviewed with several other families, but no one wanted a temporary nanny. Eventually, I returned to the widower’s ad that had lingered in the paper. John Tanner was older than I anticipated for a father of two young children. His appearance and demeanor hinted at a man who had seen better days, still coping with the loss of his wife.
In a brief conversation, he explained his work schedule with Qantas and the need for someone to care for his children while he was away. He didn’t mind my short commitment, which suited me just fine. We shook hands, sealing the deal without even a glance at my passport.
As I enter the house, I’m struck by its unfinished paint job—a misguided orange hue that makes me question John’s color choices. The living room bears signs of his widowhood: crayon marks on the walls, scattered toys, and chaotic remnants of family life. I can almost hear my mother’s voice urging me to take it all in.
Unpacking my bag, I’m introduced to John’s son, Oliver, who bounds toward me with joy. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I can’t help but engage with him, even while trying to win over his sister, Lily, who seems less than thrilled at my presence. Her reluctance feels palpable, and I can sense her loyalty to her absent mother.
As I navigate this new chapter, I’m reminded of my own motto: “Things happen when you leave the house.” This saying crystallized during an Outward Bound experience where I laid out my life plans. Yet, a year later, I found myself dissatisfied with my reality, living with my grandmother and yearning for adventure. That desire propelled me to book a round-the-world ticket with Tracy, dreaming of an odyssey that would ultimately lead me here.
My journey with John and his children might not align with my original aspirations, but life has a way of presenting unexpected opportunities. For those considering similar paths, resources like this guide on home insemination and this authority on artificial insemination kits can provide invaluable information. Additionally, the NICHD’s pregnancy resource offers excellent support for those embarking on their own family journeys.
Summary:
In Glitter and Glue, Kelly Corrigan reflects on her unexpected journey as a nanny in Australia, grappling with her mother’s influence and her own aspirations. As she navigates life with a grieving widower and his children, she learns that opportunities often arise in the most unforeseen circumstances.