Lady in the Bathroom

After having my shower in the amenities block in Whyalla caravan park this morning I met a lovely woman. She wasn't young, I estimate around 80, maybe late 70's. We cordially said good morning and then she started talking.

The first thing she said was that caravanning was not an easy for women and she felt tired and worn out by all the work she needed to do each day to support her husband. Stating that she prepared 3 meals a day, did cleaning and washing as well as helping with the caravan set up. Full time life on the road was not a glamorous or romantic lifestyle and her advice the other women would be not to do it.

Once this dear woman started to talk it was as if the flood gates had opened and she couldn't stop. As I stood there listening to her tale of woe I wondered if I was the only person to listen to her for a long time.

They had come from Perth where a family member had taken most of their money and house, it sounded like a very sad situation. Her daughter in law and grandaughter had been very unkind and she was clearly very hurt and upset about them. She shared intimate details about them I wouldn't expect to hear from someone I'd only just met. 

They had been in Whyalla for 5 weeks and were hoping to move to NSW where they could settle peacefully, somewhere that wasn't too hot in the summer and far away from Perth. In reality, I'm not sure she really knew where they were heading next, she seemed confused and said they may even end up at the Gold Coast.

They had had battery trouble with the van and the system had to be replaced, consequently they were out of funds and now stranded waiting for their next pension payment to finance further travel. Oh gosh I felt so sorry for this small frail woman in front of me. I so wish I'd asked her name, but sadly didn't. 

I get the feeling that the isolation of caravan parks and constant travel, having no friends and an alienated family was getting the best of her. 

Reluctantly I had to leave her as we were travelling on and the last thing she said to me was “you know we have to be there for each other, women are important and we should stick together”

I've been thinking about her all day.