While I was in Italy one of my favourite people had health issues. My lovely Aunty Shirley has been in hospital for seven weeks. She is my father’s sister and has known me longer than just about anyone on the planet.
When I was born I lived a few houses away from my aunt. I was an early walker and talker and each morning I would leave home and walk to her house where I would spend the day with her and my grandfather who lived there too. I loved standing at the huge window in the living room from where I thought I could see the whole world. My earliest memories are from that house. My grandfather, father and uncle built the house and the one we lived in as well.
Aunty Shirley likes a chat and I have been delighted to hear about her early life. I didn’t know my grandmother, Dorothy known as Dolly. She died before I was born. By all accounts she was a gentle, kind soul loved by everyone who knew her. She came from England with her family as a young girl and she met my grandfather who arrived in Australia from Finland in 1912. According to my aunt there was never a cross word between them. I wish I had known her.
Grandfather built a house for his family on 5 acres of land in Manly, Brisbane. He planted fruit trees and vegetables and they had a road side stall. He also worked in the area as a builder, a job both of his sons would take on, and later my brother.
During WWII he should have been interned as an enemy alien, but his boss spoke up for him and as building was considered an essential industry he was allowed to stay at home. However, someone came to his house and took away his atlas and a lantern.
The farm was sold and my grandparents bought a cafe on the waterfront in Manly where they served fish and chips, steak and chips and milkshakes to the sailing enthusiasts. After the war when petrol rationing finished people started going to the Gold Coast.(before it was called that) The sailing crowds diminished and they sold the cafe. It is still there and is now a great seafood restaurant.
My mother worked there sometimes when she was a young teenager and that is how she met my father. I particularly love to hear tales of my father’s youth. He excelled at sport, especially running and could sing and play the piano by ear. (Traits I did not inherit) Aunty Shirley remembers him being sent off for lessons, but he soon continued by himself after just a few. Today is his birthday. He would have been 92.
I am happy to say that my aunt is on the mend and will soon be going home to join her husband.
It has been a delight and a privilege to spend this time with Aunty Shirley. The hospital is not far from my home and I have spent most afternoons with her. I will continue with visits to her home, but this time has been special.