268: Kath Chiverton on Love, Loss, and Preparing for Boarding School Goodbyes

When Kathleen Chiverton answered a random phone call from me one afternoon, she had no idea it would lead to this conversation. We’d only just met at Motherland’s Clermont event and I knew her story was one rural mums needed to hear. Kath grew up on a remote cattle station in Central Queensland, the youngest in a family of boys, before heading off to boarding school at 13…homesick and lonely. Years later, she fell in love with a butcher-turned-soldier, only to watch him deploy to Afghanistan while she held the fort at home. She’s endured the heartbreak of multiple miscarriages. Survived a horrific school bus accident involving both her children. And now, after everything, she’s preparing to let her eldest go as her daughter heads to boarding school next year. This is a raw, powerful episode about mothering through chaos, grief, and the moment you have to start letting go.Red Nose Grief & Loss: 24/7 Support Line 1300 308 307When I’m wrangling the kids, managing muddy mornings, or spending precious time in my veggie patch - my Blunnies are with me every step of the way. They’re a true staple of rural life. So if you’re after boots that work as hard as you do, head to blundstone.com.au to check out their range.This DonateLife Week, rural NSW mum Emily Smith shares how a heart transplant saved her life just weeks after giving birth. Now thriving, she urges fellow mums to register as organ donors at donatelife.gov.au. For more on Emily’s story CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia