Adeline Mavis Garoni Hill 1920 ---1965

 The anniversary of my Mother's death was on August 13.  She has been gone for 45 years, which seems a very long time.  She was aged 45 when she died, which seems a very short time to live.  
I made up a short memorial email and sent it to all of my kids and grandkids and to my surprise, Patrick and Madeleine answered it.   That was very sweet.

When I was 13 or 14, my brother Terry and I went shopping in Clarendon St, South Melbourne and bought some crockery for Mum's birthday.  We had saved for a long time and knew what we wanted to get her ---  Four sets of dinner plates, bread and butter plates and dessert bowls.  Everything was sold separately and it took us ages to decide on the colour.  Eventually, we chose 4 different colours ---- one set each of black, turquoise, maroon and grey.   It was all so exciting; we had never given her such a large gift before.  Mum reacted with great surprise and enjoyment.  Naturally, Terry and I had chosen colours that we liked, so we announced which ones we wanted for ourselves, black for me, turquoise for Terry.  Dad joined in the celebration and claimed the maroon set.   He was just as thoughtless as we were.   Still with great happiness on her face and in her voice, Mum said, "I think I would like the grey ones." 
As I write what she said, I can still feel the shudder of pain that went through me when she spoke.  It hit me like a brick that we had left her no choice.  I immediately noticed the sweet look on her face and the gentleness in her voice, as if she had really made a choice.   I then offered her my black and Dad and Terry followed suit but she insisted that she preferred the grey.    Selflessness was a major characteristic of Mum's. 

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My engagement ring has been returned, with a new little diamond.  Both rings now look shiny and new.
The jet beads have been restrung, using nylon instead of cotton.  I know this isn't authentic but they're not a collectible for me and I prefer durability.  Besides, I have another jet necklace, a little shorter and it is strung with the original cotton.  Steve gave me these necklaces for my 50th birthday ---- that was, let's see ----- 5 years ago, wasn't it?????  :-))

We've had a number of cold, windy days and a little rain.   There was a small leak in the centre part of the van.  That's going to drive Steve crazy until he locates the source!

Two parcels arrived yesterday ----- a boxed set of  The Best of Andre Rieu Live, from Carla, and Scott sent a DVD of Carole's Memorial Service.   It's hard to describe to people exactly how much I appreciate these surprise gifts.

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