Most of us have experienced it at some point, so much so that it is now part of Baskerville folklore – ‘The Mumma Wave’. In fact it is not hard, any one can do it – it just that not many of us want to. You see to do ‘The Mumma Wave’ effectively you must have no concern of what others may think of you. My first experience of ‘The Mumma Wave’ was coming home one afternoon from Brisbane Grammar on The Gap #17 bus with all the kids from other schools. I was sitting down the back with the gang when we came to a stop along Wentworth Road. The bus seemed to be delayed in leaving and so everyone’s attention was drawn forward to see what was causing the holdup. My God – some crazy person had driven in front of the bus and parked in such a way that the bus could not leave the stop. At the car driver’s side door stood a lady on her tip toes with her arms fully stretched waving in huge semi circles and giving out the obligatory call of YOOO HOOOO. Mum??? Oh no Mum!!!! Well I got my bag and headed for the door to the snickers of the other school kids and to the rather twisted smirk of the bus driver. The only relief for everyone on board that day was that at least the lady was not their mum. You see mum had seen me in the back of the bus and wanted to give me a lift to save me from the long walk home. Whilst this was a very kind gesture, she did not realize that she could not save me from the long walk I had to do tomorrow, down the isle of the bus. Now that I am older I only see with fondness the caring attitude behind that wave and now my kids will tell you of their embarrassment when they get ‘The Mumma Wave’ from me.
