Andrew..

It has been over 3 weeks since I last wrote. 

Even now, I am having difficulty starting.

Flowers from Enfield PS

On Thursday 17 Feb 2011, Sarah's 16th birthday, at about 9am just as I was about to leave and take Tom to school, I received a call from my sister Debbie.  It was 3.30am in Adelaide.  She was ringing to tell me that our brother Andrew 'died tonight'.  It's been 3 weeks now since I received that news, and I cannot begin to describe the depths of pain and anguish this brings without crying.  I guess this will go on for a while longer.  Suffice to say, my boys were at home with me at the time, and Michael in particular has been a rock.

Despite this devastating news, we were able to still celebrate Sarah's birthday, and she was able to attend a concert that evening which included her favourite Australian band Parkway Drive.

Banana Cake baked by Tom!!

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

 I flew to Adelaide on Saturday evening and arrived in Adelaide Monday afternoon after a 29 hour journey.  It sure was good to be in Australia again, there has been so much rain that everywhere is very lush and green.  There is no place like home, especially at a time like this. 




Chloe and Zayla meeting me at Adelaide Airport

  As it turns out, in Sydney I met up unexpectedly with my brother John coming from New Zealand and we flew to Adelaide on the same flight.  It sure was wonderful to meet up with my entire family and spend the next days together.  Grief is a very strong emotion, and over this time my entire family felt it as we mourned the loss of our brother together.

L-R in age order: John, Michelle, Debbie, Andrew, Brigid, Jennifer & Daniel

A beautiful view from Andrew and Melissa's veranda

Andrew is number four in the order of siblings in our family, this put him right in the middle of everyone. His sudden death, has put a hole right in the middle of our family for now, but we will remember him with a great love.  He had a mischieveous character, was smart, intelligent with a keen sense of integrity.  He was kind and would do anything for you.  We were able to laugh as we remembered some of his antics as we composed the eulogy.  Andrew was an active serving Captain in the Australian Army and as such, the Army took care of the funeral arrangements befitting an officer.  His funeral was large and very dignified with enormous respect shown to Andrew, to Melissa, Charlotte & Olivia and to us as his family.  This included a marching band, 40 escorting soldiers, Andrew being carried on a gun carriage, two cohorts of pall bearers, a gun salute and John piping him in and out of the chapel on the bagpipes and as a final farewell at the gravesite.  A Brigadiere gave the military eulogy and the Army Padre conducted the service and gave the personal eulogy for us.  My brother Daniel read from the New Testament the account of Lazarus, from which the Padre elaborated.  He essentially was endeavouring to console us and encourage us to turn to Christ as our brother had also died.. I found his message very comforting.

The process of a funeral is very emotional, but also very healing.  I will greatly miss not having Andrew around, and still find it hard to believe, it just wasn't supposed to happen. But I do know, that although we have farewelled him, one day we will all see him again.  I am so grateful for this faith and this belief that families can be together forever.  My prayers continue to be with Melissa, Charlotte and Olivia, that they will be able to find a measure of peace and comfort.



John, piping a final farewell as some of us gathered to witness the dedication of the grave..
 Until we all see you again Andrew..

 

                                                             ---ooooOoooo---


During my time in Adelaide, I stayed with Karlie & Nathan and enjoyed the attentions of my georgous two granddaughters.  They have both grown in the two and half months that I have been gone, with Zayla attempting so many words now.  She in particular loves stories and would often bring me a book to read to her.  She would run to the couch, as the favourite 'reading spot' yelling out "Yaay!  a dory!"  Chloe also loves books and playing.  She loves to dress up as a fairy or princess and still hates having her lovely hair brushed.  I had fun being with them, they sure lift your spirits!  It was so nice spending time with Karlie, when I wasn't ducking out to be with family or friends.  She and Nathan have a lovely home, and made me feel at home.  It was so nice being able to do some 'Gramma' things!

The girls cheering up Grandma, we are of course playing under the umbrella!!

Princess Chloe

This is what fun is, sitting in a bath full of balls first thing in the morning and throwing them all out!!!

At the park with Grandma

  

I cut this clip a second too short as Chloe counted up to 60-10!!!!

Zayla on the rocking horse, sorry a side-ways clip!

A self portrait of Gramma and Chloe on the swing

Last Saturday morning, I was telling Chloe that I would be going back to America on Thursday morning.  I told her that I would miss her to which she replied "I will miss you too." I said I would ring her on the phone and talk to her.  "Will you talk to me?" I said.  She replied " Oh!! I might be too busy!"  (I had to laugh, I consider myself warned!)

It was really nice to catch up with friends as well. I was able to have lunch with Robyn and went for a lovely walk with Judy along part of Linear Park. The creek was really swollen from all the rains, in fact we got caught in a shower! Life keeps going on, sometimes throwing us curve balls that try us and refine us.  I can't say I love these challenges, but I hope I learn from them to become a better person.

Mum, Deb, Me & Karlie at Carrisbrooke Park

It was good to see John & Dan and I particularly enjoyed spending time with my 3 sisters Jennifer, Brigid & Deb.  We enjoyed many long talks together.  We have all gone our separate ways again now, but there is a bond that ties us together and that is what families are all about.  John has returned to NZ, my parents to Perth and I arrived back here in Denver last night.  It is so nice to be with Rick, Tom & Sarah again and to know that Michael, Karlie & her family, and Jonathon are all safe and doing well in their lives.

Jen & Brigy

While I was in Australia, Thomas picked up some employment at the local tanning place where he was going.  He has been offered about 30 hours a week!  This will give him something to do thats for sure, juggling school as well.  At present, it looks like Friday attendance is in jeopardy.  Rick has processed his work permit and Tom already has an interview with Homeland Security at the end of the month to enable him to work for the rest of the year here.

Sarah has an interview next week to try some modelling/drama! In a couple of weeks there is an info night about Cheerleading and Poms, then Spring Break will be upon us followed by the 'Prom'.  So, there is much to look forward to in the immediate calendar!!

A walk with Dad at Carisbrooke Park, Creek & Gum trees...

 

... and a cliff face.  Beautiful Australia!













Finally, as I am writing this, I am listening to the account of the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that has hit Japan.  A few weeks ago, there was the devastating earthquake that flattened Christchurch NZ.  These events puts things into perspective and make my trials seem very small indeed.

Goodbye my beautiful girls!!

...and my beautiful Karlie!  See you again at Christmas!



Coming home.. above the clouds, this is a different world.



Nearly home.. flying over the Rockies



Post Script:  Today, I went to pick up Rick from school and didn't realise I was driving on the left hand side of the road until I met another car!!   Oops!  Think! Think!