Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 19:53
I've just moved house and now live only a few minutes from my home town, Beulah. Today the afternoon light turned golden and the track to my house was glowing. I thought how lucky I am to live in the Mallee and how despite all the ravages of the drought it's still so beautiful.
Golden Mallee Light
My Dad. In November 2006 mum and dad were involved in a car accident and my mum was killed. Dad was 80 and Mum 75. He spent months in hospital and rehab before he was able to return home to his own house. Since then he's battled with his sadness and heartache. He didn't know why he was still here when the light of his life was gone. Gradually over the months he's regained some of his spirit. He returned to driving, which is something he loves to do. The accident, by the way was completely the fault of the other driver who failed to see my parents car and drove out in front of them.
Dad is 81 now and on Monday he and his 88 year old mate, set off to drive to
Western Australia. They laughingly say they'll be the oldest men to drive across the Nullabor. They reached
Burra the first night, then
Port Lincoln,
Streaky Bay,
Eucla and last night arrived in
Norseman. The excitement and enthusiasm in my Dad's voice was so good to hear. He sounded like his old self and that brought tears to my eyes.
I hope that I have the same determination when I am his age.
Here is a photo of the intrepid travellers about to head off.
Dad and his mate Ian about to head for WA
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View Comments (8)
Viv,,,, I'm glad everything went good for him and his mate,, you must be so proud !
Cheers
Bucky
The Aussie Spirit a mate by your side through thick and thin..Thankyou for Sharing
Cheers
Viv - no wonder you feel so proud of him. I can't imagine the resolve it takes to move on in such situations rather than take the easy way out. Being able to do a memorable trip with a mate is the best cure - getting out and seeing Australia opens your heart to the wonder of life. Thanks for your great blog, Michelle
Viv, I have no doubt that your dad is on his feet again after a lot of work you did in his recovery process. So pleased he is back on deck again after the loss you all suffered with your Mum's death.
Some of these people just give us example after example of what we can achieve in our third age, or perhaps the second childhood. Teriffic to read of it and hope we can meet up with him one day.
Best wishes and soo pleased, John
LOL I hope they're giving the ladies along the way a lot of cheek
Viv, although it takes time, life does go on. Great to hear of the fun in your dads voice again, I bet theyre having a ball!
keep us up to date and here am i at 72 n---wondering ?
Good to hear they are enjoying the trip so far.
Ann D
