My very first home, also my married home was purchased jointly with the Mad Man. My contribution to everything from furniture to groceries was exactly down the middle, 50%, even though at that time I only earned half of what he did. He insisted I pay my way and as a naïve 25 years old I agreed. At the end of the marriage nightmare I would be R50 000 in overdraft which with some determination and sacrifices I would eventually pay back. As I started my journey down Debt Alley it would eventually dawn on me that access to my house items was certainly not 50%. I would be instructed to sleep on the sleeper couch in the spare bedroom because he had the flu and needed his rest. The same instruction would be given to me when I had the flu until eventually the sleeper couch became my “bed”…

Folding future: Ed Oxenbould as Dylan, an 11 yo. who discovers he has a knack with folding stuff in Paper Planes.

Having grandchildren staying gave me the opportunity to see this new Australian movie, written, directed and produced by Robert Connolly.

This movie captures the imagination of children with its eleven-year-old Dylan, Ed Oxenbould, as the hero, succeeding against all the odds to participate in the Paper Plane World Championship. Dylan’s unassuming character shows his quiet strength coping with the enormous difficulties he’s facing.

The unique Western Australian landscape with its the country school, gives a feeling of stepping back in time. Every emotion is tweaked.

I didn’t have high expectations, and yet the film was totally absorbing and left me feeling uplifted. Even if you don’t have children, it’s a delightful film to see.