MY DAD

Fourty-three years ago, we shared our first cup of tea together.

A special moment, one I'll always treasure.

Just me, my "soon-to-be" dad and my "Winnie the Pooh" tea-set.

Who would have thought we would become so close?

Here was the man who loved my mother, and in turn, loved me.

From childhood through to my teen years, he was there and we grew, together.

And even through our many disagreements, we still managed to find "time out", to sit back and laugh. I know there were times I caused dad and mum, "sleepless nights", but like the typical father, he was always forgiving.
Dad enjoyed the simple things in life...reading his newspaper, watching the footy/news or a good meal with a nice cold beer!

And as my cousin Deb reminded me, you didn't dare call during these times!

Extremely passionate about football, dad was an avid fan & supporter of the Bulldogs which I too followed for many years....mum however, supported the Parramatta Eels so God help them when both teams were playing!

Never afraid to speak his mind, especially if it meant challenging an idea or thought...he LOVED a good argument! And that included his ideas about some of my early choices in life. Like my taste in music-

Every Saturday morning during "Countdown", he did his best to keep his mouth shut as my cousin and I swooned over Russell Morris.

"He'll never amount to anything!" we'd hear him say, and we'd try not to laugh...and as years went by, and my favourite musicians changed, dad still voiced his displeasure! While my sister & I sung the words to the latest song, dad would much sooner be listening to Johnny O'Keefe.

Now that I’m older, I can appreciate the late great JOK's songs...but doubt my dad could have ever said the same for David Bowie?

I must have been a handful, but dad never complained...into adulthood, he became the proud father who walked his daughter down the aisle and the excited grandfather, holding his first grandchild.

Fast-forward to today-your last day.

As the hours passed, I sat and prayed.....still hoping you would wake.

Holding your hand, I watched as you took your final breath...there was no fear, only silence.

The kind nurse handed me a "strong" cup of tea. I looked at you, and I remembered.

Our last moment together, my last cup of tea with dad.

Thank you for making my life, so special.

Thank you, for being my dad.