Karin Enström – I found a new beginning in life

Friday at last, and I would like to present Karin Enström’s blog. Karin is responsible for our beautiful garden and also helps out in the kitchen. Have a nice weekend! /Terry Evans

My daughter Maria, whom you got to know a little bit better two weeks ago, asked me once if I wanted to come and help her clean at Gamla Byskolan. The first thing I felt, whilst walking through the school’s doors, was a calm and welcoming feeling. I continued to clean there whenever they needed me. After some time, Terry started asking me if I would be interested in working there full time. My reply was: “No, thank you!” It was a bit scary to give up a secure job, I was working with the elderly, which I also liked doing. At the same time, I needed a new challenge, but I did not know it at the time. I decided to speak to my husband and asked for his opinion. His answer was: “Go for it!” When I had made the decision to accept Terry’s offer, it felt really good! My plan was to be on leave for half a year, but my then current boss told me that that would not be possible. So I decided to leave.

As soon as I started to work with Terry, I told him very clearly that I would never work in the kitchen. I would never cook and bake, and I had a whole list of things that I did not want to do. Terry asked me if I wanted to help out in the garden, which I agreed to. I love working in the garden, I feel happy there! In my work with the garden, I have the freedom to use my own ideas. Also, even though I am not so technical, I have learned to use many different machines, and it is fun! Every time I look at the results of my gardening, I feel that I have achieved something and feel proud. It has also put order and structure to my everyday life. Now I am happier at home, because with this job I can set my own working hours, and I can be at home when my children go to school and come home. That has made a difference for them! I am beginning to realise how much my husband trusted me when he said: “Go for it!”, and it makes me feel secure.

Sometimes, when I have an idea, Terry can say no, but after thinking it over for a while he can agree to it. That can irritate me at times, but then I realise that my own impatience also is part of my reaction.

This job has given me freedom, and I dare to meet challenges that I have never met before. Remember when I told Terry that I would never cook or bake? Now I am doing that too! Here, at Gamla Byskolan, I am given the opportunity to try, and I am allowed to make mistakes.

This year I have said to Terry: “I want to have more control of the garden, and I want to be responsible for the plants and flowers that we purchase.” To my surprise, Terry said yes! I feel like I am respected and trusted, not only by Terry, but also by the rest of the staff. It is like being part of a second family.

My two favourite things in the garden are being on the lawn mower and seeing the beautiful nature that I have been a part of creating. I am glad that I took the risk to come and work here, because since then, I feel much calmer, I feel happier. I see a long future ahead of me at Gamla Byskolan.

/Karin