I have an Boo, Boo

How did your family take care of minor injuries?

With a lot of love, and the magic kiss to make it better. I grew up when you didn’t complain about the little things. There was always a grazed knee, or a bruise, where you ran about like a mad person bumping into things.

Did you have home remedies you used?

No, but Lucozade was a drink to cure all ailments. From an upset stomach, to flu, to a headache, it was used to make things better. I hated the stuff, especially since, when I had measles, that I threw the stuff up.

What was the typical way to care for a cold or flu at your house?

My dad’s remedy for the flu was a hot toddy. Whisky and hot milk. He would put a silk scarf around his neck and the next morning his sore throat would b gone. Mind you, I wasn’t allowed this particular remedy until I was eighteen.

Were you pampered when you were sick/hurt or told to buck up and deal with it?

I was looked after, and I could lay on the sofa and Mum would give me lots of fluid, and I could watch my favourite programmes. I used to have a cover put over me, and I would read comics, and rest. Even as an adult, I prefer to be on the sofa when I’m recovering from the flu, or a cold.

When you got sick as a kid did you stay home, or did you have to go to school?

I didn’t like school much. I was bullied as a child, and would often feign illness to not go. Although one day it was because a new sofa was being delivered and I wanted to see it arrive. I spent the afternoon jumping on the old sofa in the garden. Although they never believed me after that, and when I was really ill had to go to school.

Did a parent stay home with you, or did you fend for yourself?

Mum used to stay at home to look after me, but she worked in the school kitchens, and was able to take the time off.

Was a doctor visited when you had a minor injury or illness?

Normally a doctor visited when I had a temperature, and Mum and Dad wanted to make sure it was nothing more serious. Back then having things like measles could cause serious harm to your eyes, so I had to be in a dark room without any light to make sure I was okay.

Did you ever have a major illness or injury growing up? How did it impact your life?

Not really, I fell down a flight of stairs when I was fourteen, and had to have physio therapy on my back for a while. I missed a few Geography lessons because the hospital appointments were during those lessons. I was learning to type, and back then we learnt on heavy typewriters. The stairs were steep and as I leant forward, I rolled right to the bottom. I didn’t notice until two weeks later and I couldn’t get off the sofa.