Ups and downs

After our mid-winter break, temperatures in Canberra dropped even more and life became quite intense. Winter felt especially long but we are in better spirits now that spring has arrived.

Winter album

We were all very sad in August as a dear family member passed away. We all miss Tamara very much. Her funeral was heartbreaking, moving and overwhelming. Nicholas was very distraught. Catherine was able to help pass out programs but had a meltdown in the end. She wanted to be part of the service. They both drew pictures and placed them on the coffin. It was lovely that Catherine gave Tamara a private blessing at the crematorium. We had a very emotional and draining week but at the same time it was wonderful to be surrounded by family love. My in-laws are amazing people.

The children took a few weeks to process their emotions but they have been coping ok. Distraction and keeping busy helped. It was back to a busy school term soon after our return from Fiji. Work was also busy for both me and Phil. Phil went to Adelaide for a conference and then to Sydney for a day. Then he had choir practices for the concert we just attended this past weekend. It was a great performance singing Carmina Burana at the High Court.

I was involved in more system upgrade activity at work and brought some work home. But I managed to have some time out with friends. I watched Crazy Rich Asians which was fun. I had dinner at The Ottoman with the lovely year 2 school mums.

Catherine had some sad and angry moments days after the funeral. She was able to express her confusion with the many feelings she was having. I thought her awareness was very mature but at the same time it was heartbreaking to hear her thoughts.

Nicholas also struggled but he has shown much resilience this term. He has come a long way since the year started and is generally more positive and comfortable these days. At school he was able to participate in a farm program for 8 weeks and learn practical skills such as preparing and cooking food. We have already had the pleasure of having bacon and eggs cooked for us a couple of times at home. He received a merit award for his responsible attitude toward completing class work. He also went to camp again this year and made it through the two nights away. He had a lot of fun. On a side note, Catherine was very cooperative and calm while her brother was away and she had parents all to herself.

Along with high school, more interesting times are ahead. Nicholas just lost his last baby tooth last week. I felt a bit sad about it because of its significance. Coincidentally, his year 6 class is also participating in Puberty and Personal Development workshops. So we have had some interesting conversations lately.

We have had some other recent milestones: 20 years since our engagement, 11 years at our house, 12 years in Australia, 2 years with Comet and 9 years since I became an Australian citizen.

Spring album