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A Simple Plan

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"Like many girls of my generation I'd had a simple plan." Krys' simple plan turned out not to be quite as sraightforward as she had originally thought.

Transcript

"We got up when it was still dark and crept out before anyone was about. Our mission: to watch the sun rise over the sea. My daughter, my son and I sat on the cold sand waiting.

Waiting ... I know all about waiting. Like many girls of my generation I'd had a simple plan - get a job; get married; have children - easy. Well for me the first two were, but it was the children that eluded me. My work in teaching was absorbing and busy. I studied, I travelled but always there was a space in my life waiting to be filled.

I bought a little child's chair, but only the cat sat in it. Years passed with ever increasing speed and then, just as I thought Mother Nature had given up on me, my daughter was born followed after another five years by my son - a new life began for me.

My children turned out to be the sort who thought that daytime was for sleeping and night-time was for playing. But despite my perpetual fog of sleep deprived tiredness and a dramatically reduced bank balance, the joy was overwhelming. I felt as though I had embarked on a journey of unimagined richness.

So as we sat together on the cold morning sand watching the new day fill with warmth and brightness, I knew for certain that the best things in life are worth waiting for."

By: Krys Narbed
Published: September 2003

An interview with the author

Please tell us a little about yourself.
My home is in Cardiff. I am especially interested in music, art, theatre and film, so living in Cardiff suits me well as there's lots going on. My working life has been devoted to teaching - a job which I find very rewarding.

What's your story about?
My story tries to convey the great happiness I felt at becoming a mother at last. Motherhood has been a very positive experience for me even though, as every parent knows, bringing up children can be hard work at times too. My involvement in the workshop made me think back and realise just how much fun and fulfilment children have brought into my life.

Why did you choose to tell this particular story?
It is a way of sharing my experience with others who identify with my story. Telling the story was also a very pleasant opportunity to look back over the growing-up years and to rediscover old photos and half-forgotten moments.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
It was a real privilege to have the chance to work with such a dedicated and talented team who shared their expertise with us so kindly and patiently. I also enjoyed meeting the storytellers - a lovely group of people all with interesting stories to tell. I found watching everyone's finished film very moving. It made me think what a wonderful, authentic record of our times these stories will make for future generations.

Your comments

"I really liked the story I have just seen. It has given me a lot of ideas for my own digital story."
Sarah, Caerphilly, Wales.

"This film made me cry. I am unable to have a child of my own. So congratulations to anyone who can relate to this experience!"
Paule Phillips, London.


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