Saying Goodbye

It's been a little while between posts because there have been other more pressing things happening in our part of the world. We've been saying goodbye to my Uncle John. I've told you about him before. He was a clever, clever man who worked hard and overcame quite a few obstacles to make a happy and successful life. He pursued his dream to be a carpenter and then his skill and attention to detail saw him become a gifted joiner and restorer. He was most proud of the work he did in restoring Lilyvale Cottage at the Rocks in Sydney, the restoration of the Australian National Maritime Museum, making some of the furniture for the Senate Chambers in the new Parliament House in Canberra, and the restoration of the lifts in the Queen Victoria building in Sydney. He restored his house in Homebush, made beautiful gifts for his family and friends and was a perfectionist in all that he did.

He was the ninth person in Sydney to receive a cochlear implant in his forties and once he had it, he really worked to improve and clarify his speech and make good use of this amazing technology. On the 22nd of August, his sister will receive an award on his behalf, because of his commitment to, and pursuit of, what was quite an adventurous procedure twenty years ago. His family ties were very strong and as our children came along, it was funny to see this confirmed bachelor embracing another generation. He passed away on a bushwalk with his Bushwalking Association and it is comforting to think that the last things he saw were his much loved Australian landscape.

Each day, when I look at the beautiful, chip carved, Celtic clock he made us for our wedding gift, I will remember him. Each year, when I hang the Christmas garland he carved for us, I will tell my Little Buttons some more stories about him. When I think about him, I will smile, because I believe he led a life well lived.