When people ask how we found ourselves in Australia, the story always sounds too good to be true.
My parents had met and befriended an Australian diplomat while he was on a posting in Jakarta.
In our plans to move to the States, Dad was in the process of submitting our Green Card application.
But our Australian friend had a much better idea – what about migrating to Canberra, Australia instead?
Offering his help to find employment for my parents upon arrival, it was a no brainer. And there it was – off we trotted to Australia, the land of plenty and opportunity.
When so many other migrants and refugees hold life risking stories and unfathomable hardship in their journey to Australia, we were extremely lucky. No, randomly blessed.
Our Australian friend set a home for us. As he promised, he found jobs for my parents. He took it on as his responsibility to enroll my brothers and I to reputable public schools.
He taught me English. He helped me figure out how to use a knife and fork.
Stuff that most Australian kids take for granted but as migrants, my parents were still trying to figure out how to fit in, they themselves had no clue about the intricacies of Western etiquette and culture.
This year, my family and I just celebrate our 40 year anniversary of moving to Australia. On a rare family gathering a couple of months ago, we sat around the kitchen table, reflecting on those early days, comparing them to where we are today – happy, successful, safe.
As it works out, this year is also one of commiseration. Our dear family friend, who selflessly provided so much for us, passed away last Friday morning.
My family will be reunited again today for his funeral.
I’ve been asked to speak on behalf of my parents, my brothers and our respective families. I’ve prepared a speech and I hope my words properly convey our gratitude. I hope I adequately express how indebted we all feel.
Our lives could’ve been so very different, if it wasn’t for him.
Ever felt randomly blessed? Who or what have you been indebted to?
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Grace. I’m sure your words will do justice to your feelings. What an amazing story.
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..HOW TO ENCOURAGE TWEENS & TEENS TO READ FOR PLEASURE
I hope you and your family can celebrate this dear family friend’s life today and I’m sure you will find the right words to says thanks and to honour him. Your gratitude really shines through in your story.
So sorry for your loss! What an amazing friend your family had.
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life recently posted..How To Cure Frizzy Hair and Make It ‘Bhave’
What a brilliant story and I hope if you feel you can you will publish the speech here next week.
Carolyn
PS Sorry for your loss.
Desire Empire recently posted..Profiteroles with Vegan Chocolate Sauce using Avocado
I am sorry for the loss of your family friend. He sounds like a great man for what he did for your family. Those photos are just fantastic xx
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Condolences Grace. He sounds like an amazing man who helped you and your family so much. Such an amazing story. I’m sure you will find just the right words to express your gratitude and honour him when you speak on behalf of your family at the funeral. xx
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum recently posted..Grow Just One Thing: book review, interview + giveaway
What a beautiful man and a beautiful story. Your paths were destined to cross and I’m so pleased that they did. I’m so sorry for your loss, Grace and I am sure when you speak at the celebration of his life, you’ll do your friend proud xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Sam Bloom
I’m sorry for the loss to your family. What an honour to speak for them at his funeral. We should all be so lucky as to touch someone so deeply in our lives.
Vanessa recently posted..Being Fashionable, Being Comfortable
Wow, you were very lucky! What a wonderful man; I’m sorry for your loss, Grace. May he rest in peace.
Di from Max The Unicorn recently posted..My Microdermabrasion Experience!
Your life could have amazingly different. If’s people like your beautiful friend who change other peoples lives without expecting anything in return. What a beautiful soul.
Natalie @ Our parallel connection recently posted..6 ways to lose your fear and live a wild life
Oh Grace I’m so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you are all safe and happy and in such a fabulous country. I’m sure the words you’ve written for that wonderful family friend will be a heartfelt and beautifully written tribute. xoxo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..Snaps ‘n’ Crackles #4 – Min’s Morning Walks
Your parents must be amazing people too to touch someone so deeply that they are willing to do so much to help and bless you back. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. Deep condolences and thanks for sharing this little bit of family history with us 🙂
Ai Sakura recently posted..China 2015 | LINE Friends Café & Store Shanghai
Condolences to you and your family. I find these stories of random blessings so incredibly moving. With the kindness and interest of one person, lives take totally new directions. It makes me reflect on the impact individuals can have on the people around them and think about what influenceI am, or could, be making. Thank you for sharing this story,
Im so sorry for your loss, he sounds like an amazing man
Sarah @sarahdipity recently posted..Mothers Day Gift Ideas (and a giveaway!)- Fast Five Friday
What a beautiful post, Grace. I’m sure your words at the funeral will be just as beautiful. What a wonderful friend. Thinking of you x
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So sorry for your loss Grace. Thinking of you and your family.
Raychael Case recently posted..GIVEAWAY | Mother’s Day Gifting
So sorry to hear of your loss Grace.
I believe things are laid to plan and we arrive at our experiences – the ones we are meant to have. You definately made the right choices back then. X
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Smash ‘Love Mum Collection’ A Mother’s Day Gift Guide #SLHFeaturedThursdays
Gosh Grace when you detail all that you had to learn, gosh, what a special thing your parents did, and that special person, sorry for your loss. I know you’ll be able to convey all that everyone is thinking and feeling. Love and light Mama G x
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..7 things you will learn from my Instagram account.
I am so very sorry to read of this person’s passing knowing, now, how incredibly blessed you and the family feel to have been part of his life. I cannot imagine a more wonderful person to give the speech at his funeral than you. Many good and loving wishes to you and your family today, Grace. D xx
Denyse whelan blogs recently posted..Far South Coast Views. 366/113.
So sorry for your loss, lots of wonderful memories for you to hold on to in the future.
Nikki@WonderfullyWomen recently posted..Bring back the real Barbeque Shapes!
Oh Grace, what a wonderful family friend and I’m sure whatever you say will show how much his kindness meant to you and your family.
I love that he was so selfless!
Deb
Deborah recently posted..Martyrdom
Even though its not a story of hardship to get here, its still a great story. I’m sorry he passed away, I’m sure your family is feeling the loss immensely.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..How to encourage toddlers to enjoy reading
That’s such a lovely story Grace. I’m so sorry for your loss. I love the two photos! Friendship through the times… 🙂
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted..9 things I’m loving right now #FridayReflections
What a generous and kind man – he indeed blessed your family. Sorry to hear of his passing x
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..Autism & theme parks
So sorry for your family’s loss Grace. What a beautiful way to let all of his family know what he meant to your family. I’m sure your appreciation will come through. ((HUGS))
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