Thank you so much Eunice and Rhonda for your kind words and thoughts. Talking about and sharing stories and memories of those we have lost means the essence of who they are continues, not just for those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving them physically but for the future generations connected by blood. Although we cannot see or hold them physically keeping them in our hearts and thoughts means they live eternally. Gone but not forgotten! 💕 Even though their story may have been a sad one take comfort from the fact that they did manage to reconnect in their lifetime and are once more reunited in heaven and also in the hearts of those that loved them most! R.i.P George, Gerald, Bob, Betty, Elaine and Eileen 💖

My dear Eileen, I will miss our phone calls letting each other know what is going on in our families. At times you are so close but so far away. You are my sister in law but more like a sister to me. Love you to bits Eunice x

Dear Aunty, It is so sad to say goodbye knowing I won’t see you smile again. I so clearly remember the day you arrived in mum and dad’s driveway in Albury…..and the emotion of you and dad having not seen each other for 45 years………… I understand the deep sentiment behind that reunion (and with Betty and Elaine), but it was not until later in life that we were told the truth behind the childhood separation and why our aunties were taken to the UK. I never had a long opportunity to talk to any of you about your lives and sad that none of you were a more physical part of ours. What I have heard has come in dribs and drabs across the family spectrum. Dad kept all hidden, even from mum, until in his 60’s when he told us of his troubled childhood. This is all part of our family history that I know still troubles some. I know the family politics did not stop at that generation and, as I have come to learn, is not confined to ours and is but a universal dilemma. As for you Aunty, I was impressed at you being so au fait with technology, which made it easy to communicate with you these past few years. Although our email exchanges were brief, they were important to me. I know too how much mum loved her letter writing and phone communications with you. Although I don’t have many memories to share about you, you have always been a part of our lives. It was very special to be able to travel to the UK in 2005 and meet the family….to meet the rest of your family and have a glimpse of your UK life. Geography separates but blood connects. Dad always held family close. It was not until my adult life with dad’s “reveal” and the pulling together of the “dribs and drabs” that I really understood. Just too sad for you all. Rest Peacefully Aunty xxx To Lyn, Karen and Tony, I really don’t know what else to say but want you all to know that the memory of your mother and my aunty, being one in the same, is held strong, regardless of physical disconnection. Much Love from the antipodes, Rhonda x