Should not be allowed to have children:

To set the scene, I am shopping in my local supermarket – it is not a rough area and the people I refer to do not seem on first appearances to be ‘rough’. For reasons that will become apparent I will refer to ‘mum’ as ‘Vile’.

As I am perusing, trying to decide what on earth I want for dinner I become aware of a ‘family’ to my left, ‘Vile’ dad and child – probably about 10/11 yrs old, nothing unusual there. I hear child say something and dad respond with something like ‘no, and stop it, you have been told’. I look (yes I am always nosey), child does not appear sulky, is not shouting or demanding stuff, just stood looking like a normal child. Dad is replying to ‘Vile’ giving an explanation of what child has just said, ‘Vile’ continues to reach for something on the shelf and then spits some words at dad, in a split second ‘Vile’ sweeps back ‘its’ left arm and smacks child full square on around the head. Child unsteadies on feet through the force of this smack, looks at dad, looks at me and looks to the ground.

I am stood with my mouth wide open (hiding facial expressions is not my strong point) looking incredulously at dad as he mutters something to ‘Vile’ about that not being necessary. I realise I am shaking with anger, I know supermarkets bring out the testing times for mothers and their children but this child really had done nothing.

I could not let this go by.... dialogue:
Cas: I really do not suppose that smacking him round the head does any good?
‘Vile’: I can do what I like to my own child’
Cas: No, you can’t, there are laws in place to prevent such child abuse.
‘Vile’: What is it to you?
Cas: Actually, not a lot, except I am horrified by your behaviour, enough so to mention it
(By this time a few other shoppers who had not witness said event were hovering to see what the fuss might be about)
‘Vile’: I suggest you keep your nose out of it
Cas: I understand your suggestion, however, you chose to smack your child around the head so hard that his feet rocked on solid ground, right under my nose. If you want people to stay out of your business then don’t encourage them into it.
(A few nods from the few onlookers)
‘Vile’ takes a look at dad and wonders what to do
Cas: To child: No-one has the right to hit you in any way, shape or form, if she ever hits you like that again you have every right to report her – your teacher will listen, so will social services and so will the police... Cas glares at 'Vile'

Child is still looking normal, not phased, not teary, nothing – is this what he lives with and expects?

I catch dad looking very embarrassed and placing a hand on ‘Viles’ elbow to move her away, I decide that I have said my bit and probably more than is my place to and move on, probably lucky not to also have received a smack round the head!

I spent the next hour or so shaking with anger, they talk about introducing licenses to own dogs again in this country.... I wonder about licenses to have children for some people?

This week I have been home from home twice:

Who would have thought that after a couple of years of chatting such a generous invite would be extended. I truly have never felt so welcome, looked after and comfortable in someone else’s home.

All the stresses and anxieties (I had not flown for 8 years and there I was, off to Canada to stay with friends whom I had never met), were left at my front door.

After a full body search (no not strip) at the UK airport – caused by my shoes having some pretty metal bits on them setting off the detectors 4 times on the trot! Then a delayed flight, and a tour of the city we arrived safe and sound. From that minute, Ju’s home became my home for 5 days, it is quite something to extend your home to others in a way that they actually feel at home, I was at home.

Who would have known it, let alone dared to believe it, the 4 of us got along like a house on fire, no fuss, no drama, no pouting lips, just loads of fun, laughter, relaxation, good old fashioned banter and damn good food, yes, Ju’s cooking does live up to expectations!!

I have had the time of my life: I saw the city sights; stood on the glass floor in the CN Tower; gasped in awe at Niagara and sailed on the Maid of the Mist; and to top it all off met friends who will be on my ‘friends list’ for as long as they want to be on the ‘list’.

So, here I am safely back from my home from home, in my own home from home, with some very special memories, smiling.

Thank you Ju, xxxx