To My Children and Grandchildren

To my grandchildren - Maxim, Finn, Zoe, Nadia, Benjamin, Samuel, Edin, William, Alena, Jacob, Seava, Charlotte, Cooper, and James it has been my joy being your Nana. Mia, Luca and Zara, you came into my world already half grown, I became your Nana too, and you are always in my thoughts. Not forgotten are the two angel babies, Cael, and Knox, lost to us in utero. I think of them as my two angels buried at The Land with their grandfather Alan.

Grandchildren, you, each and every one of you, are a delight to my eye and universe. Your grandfather never got to see or hold even one of you and I know that would have been his greatest sorrow had he been forewarned. Just know that you have your support group around you, grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, siblings, and cousins, who all love you and want the very best that life has to offer for you. You are blessed, cared for, loved. Your start to life magnificent and your possibilities limitless.

To Christopher, my eldest, thank you for regularly flying me up to Brisbane to join in family holidays and to see Finn, Nadia and Edin grow into fine young people – it was always so wonderful and such fun. It was with sadness that I heard of the end of your marriage through irreconcilable differences, but I am delighted that you have been able to move forward with new hopes and dreams. It is a shame you are so far away, but I look forward to seeing you, the kids plus Wendy and Zara for your upcoming 50th birthday celebration. I am so glad you have found someone you can share the Australian outback with and love seeing the photos of your adventures – you energetic people!

To Barbara and Leslie, living with you both I have always felt close to the family, able to join in and watching the kids grow whilst having time to myself whenever I want. Thankyou girls and your partners for your generosity and all of your efforts toward my comfort – greatly appreciated!

To John and Claire, my special thanks for your invaluable assistance in getting me to my various medical appointments. You have been a blessing and always warmly welcoming me into your house!

Thanks also to everyone who has brought me coffee and other treats especially when I have been in isolation or incapacitated. Your thoughtfulness makes me feel very special and loved.

Finally, thank you Leslie for helping me to get this project complete, transcribing my writings and getting it into this final format. It was a bigger task than I had anticipated, and I am very grateful for your help.

Following is a poem that Pat gave me years ago and I’ve always thought it was beautiful, full of hope and the reassurance that problems could be made to go away.

“Believe in yourself and in your dream

Though impossible things may seem

Someday, somehow, you’ll get through

To the goal you have in view

Mountains fall and seas divide

Before the one who in his stride

Takes a hard road day by day

Sweeping obstacles away

Believe in yourself and in your plan

Say not, I cannot, but, I can

The prizes of life we fail to win

Because we doubt the power within”

(Author Unknown)

I speak for myself and for Alan in his absence… I am proud of you all. Your aspirations are mostly achieved, so I wish you joy, love, happiness, and long ongoing friendships.

Alan and I have started a great new branch of the human race. One that we are very proud of. All of you have given me enormous pleasure – in more ways than I can mention.

God bless you all and keep you safe.