Olivia Jackson-Blow and her mum Cherece Jackson are like two unique peas in a pod.
Olivia, whose nicknames are Bug, Ladybug and Liv, is an energetic 5 year old who keeps Cherece, 27, on her toes.
She gets her intelligence, quick wit, and sass from her mum but also regularly surprises her with the quirky things she says and does.
Cherece, who is a descendant of the Mununjali people of Beaudesert and the Butchulla people of K’gari (Fraser Island), has spent most of her life here, interspersed with time living in Hervey Bay and Brisbane.
Olivia was born on the Gold Coast but has spent most of her life here, too.
The mother and daughter are close with Cherece’s mum, Faylene Sandy, and her siblings Peter and Sarah, and get to Brisbane whenever they can to visit extended family.
The Beaudesert Bulletin caught up with Olivia and Cherece to hear their thoughts on family. Here’s what they had to say:
What does family mean to you?
Olivia: Family time is snuggling and movies with mum. I have SO many cousins everywhere.
Cherece: Family is being together, and always being there for your family in good times and bad times. I was living in Brisbane by myself with Olivia and feeling a little homesick, so I moved back here four years ago. It’s difficult when you’re by yourself.
In my family we’re always there for each other even if we sometimes have our moments – I mean, what family doesn’t? But at the end of the day, we always come together. Sometimes it’s sorry business (funerals) that brings us together or it could be a happy time.
Olivia: Family means love and sharing. And even if someone’s not your cousin and they have no food you always have to share.
Cherece: At the moment I’m trying to organise a family barbecue. I don’t know how that’ll pan out because everyone’s so busy and there are those worries about Covid, but I’m trying to organise it for the middle of the year. Within the last year, losing Nan, the only time we were really all together was the funeral, then we all went back to our own lives. It’s nice when you can get together for a happy occasion.
If you’d like us to feature your family, or tip us off about a great Becoming Family story, please get in touch via news@beaudesertbulletin.com.au
