Mother's column – saying no

I will not easily forget the day our Reinout was hospitalised with the RS virus. The memories of the 11 days that followed are etched in my memory.

Small moments of happiness from childhood sometimes just pop up as warm memories. For instance, I recently thought how wonderful it was when my mother used to put our pyjamas over the heating while we were taking a bath. What a joy to be able to put on such a pre-heated nightgown, still a little shaky from drying off!

On a bike ride, we discover a treehouse somewhere in the countryside. I decide to go back with the eldest children a few days later. It will surely make a nice day trip! I prepare sandwiches and put drinks and bananas in my bag. There we go, on our way to a tree house that does not belong to us. The weather is a bit colder than I thought. But an adventurous mum does not let that stop her.