In her acclaimed memoir, Glitter and Glue, Kelly Corrigan delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The opening chapter reveals how her mother’s voice lingered in her mind even as she ventured to Australia after finishing college.
“I shouldn’t be here,” I think to myself as I trail behind Mark Johnson through his suburban Australian home. After the interview, I should have called to say this wasn’t going to work out. But I had no option. I needed cash, or I’d find myself back at my mother’s place within a month, which would surely delight her.
It’s her fault, I think again as I drop my backpack on a small bed in a room lit only by a skylight. Mark tries to reassure me, saying, “I hope this will be okay.” If only she had lent me even a bit of money…
This isn’t what I envisioned when I left home. That familiar sinking feeling hits me when Mark mentions how thrilled his kids will be to bounce on my bed. “First nanny and all,” he says, casually.
A nanny. Really?
Upon arriving in Australia, I didn’t expect to find myself answering an ad for a live-in nanny. I had envisioned bartending or waitressing—jobs that promised good pay, fun, and plenty of socializing.
My friend Jess and I had been traveling for two months, depleting our funds, and when we arrived in Sydney, we applied to every restaurant and bar that seemed welcoming to Americans. After a week of no callbacks, we expanded our search to surf shops and cafés, but no one would hire us. Desperate, we resorted to searching for nanny positions, all of which were in the suburbs—a far cry from the adventures we had hoped for.
I initially chose a wealthy family with a pool and a view of the Sydney Opera House, but the mother, Claudia Brown, turned out to be a tyrant. After expressing my reluctance to scrub her pool tiles and assist with her personal tutoring business, she fired me, saying I was too “unionized.”
After a few more unsuccessful interviews, I circled back to Mark’s ad. He was older than I expected for a dad of two young children, his mustache flecked with gray. He explained he was a steward for Qantas and needed help after his wife had passed away. The arrangement would be temporary, and I assured him I could do it, sealing the agreement with a handshake.
The house, half-painted an unappealing orange, looked neglected, with cans of paint strewn about. Inside, remnants of his widowhood were evident—crayon marks on the walls, scattered toys, and a piano covered in drawings.
As I settled in, Mark’s son, Leo, bounded towards me, exuberant and eager. He was a scrappy little guy with a wild mane of hair. “Keira!” he shouted, mispronouncing my name, but I didn’t mind.
“Hey there!” I replied, trying my best to blend into their chaotic world. His joyful piano playing was abruptly interrupted by his sister, Sophie, who shouted from another room, demanding silence for her show.
I turned to her, hoping to connect. She was quiet, her demeanor cool and distant, clearly aware of the changes happening in her family. “What’s your name?” Leo chimed in, oblivious to the tension.
“Keira,” I answered, but I could sense Sophie’s resistance.
The moment felt heavy, and I realized I wasn’t here just to take care of the kids, but to help them transition through a difficult time. This wasn’t how I envisioned my adventure. I had come to explore the world, not to be the new caretaker in a family learning to navigate their grief.
During a reflective moment, I recalled my own motto: “Things happen when you leave the house.” I had coined it during an Outward Bound trip after college, where I planned my life amidst nature. I was determined to break free from my past and create my own path, but here I was, feeling trapped in a role I never wanted.
While I may have set out to experience life to the fullest, the reality was starkly different. As I unpacked, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was just a temporary fixture in someone else’s story, wondering if I could ever carve out my own.
Further Reading
For a deeper dive into related topics, you can explore more at Kindbody’s blog, which is a fantastic resource for those considering pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in fertility products, you can check out Make a Mom, which offers comprehensive insights on boosting fertility for men.
Summary
Kelly Corrigan’s Glitter and Glue intricately portrays the struggles of a young woman grappling with her identity while stepping into a challenging role as a nanny in Australia. Through her journey, she reflects on her relationship with her mother and the expectations that shape her life. The narrative reveals the complexities of family dynamics and the pursuit of independence amidst unforeseen circumstances.