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Today is Australia Day..... every Australia Day special people are nominated and chosen as a Citizen of the year or Australian of the year.. This year in my home town my DAD has deservedly been chosen as the Citizen of the year..

Citizenship day award

For as long as I can remember my Dad helped everyone and anyone.. he was the local fixit can do anything guy, in the CFS (still is today about 53 years  later), in the Tennis club, helping at footy matches, The Lions Club (33 years), working bees even the elections...

This weekend my whole family including partners and grandchildren are at home to celebrate with dad except me and my family.... So this is my tribute to my dad.

Some childhood memories of my dad -

'Janeen!' yelled at the back door - go out to find dad covered in blood with yet another body part missing or broken

Dad shooting several shotgun rounds into the ivy outside the outdoor toilet when another tiger snake escaped into it.. I was so happy when we finally got an inside toilet.

Dad farewelling me in Adelaide as I left home to join the army - just like in the movies he ran along with the train until he ran out of platform..... I cried on that train for hours...

Dad gone for days during the Ash Wednesday bushfires, us home wondering where and how he was as he fought to save land, homes and animals.

the Bagpipes at 3am in the morning at parties, or the harmonica, a leaf or a bottle, anything he could tap a foot along to and make a tune.

Dancing with my dad at old time dances in the country halls before we had to go to sleep in the car whilst he and mum finished the night on the dance floor!

Dad supposedly learning the trumpet along with me - sorry dad I lasted longer than you!

from me to you Dad

I find myself wondering...
Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along.

Congratulations dad - you DO deserve this

We Love you and wish we could be there - Helen

to all my blog readers, if you have gotten this far thankyou for letting me say the things we really should say more often but probably don't. I don't often post personal things like this but it is a part of my life and I know without fail my mum and dad read everything I have to say here so please let me indulge them just today..also their 45th Wedding Anniversary - happy Anniversary mum and dad.

hugs, Helen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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