How I wish Mom had written more about those treasured visits. My impression was that she was a fuller version of herself down there than she'd been up here since Dad died. Small wonder - she was living in a 2-generation home, in the heart of a community she loved, surrounded by friends who adored her & vice versa. She loved Australia, forever cherished so many moments of those wonderful visits.
Christmas was especially dear to her heart. She'd take small gifties with her, but the greatest gift she gave & received was love. My favorite decorations are the cards & tags we received over the years showing Australian Christmas scenes. One year, our tree was completely decorated in them! And Mom & I always took delight in listening to Six White Boomers (which we first heard on Philadelphia's CLASSICAL music station!). She'd get a distant look in her eye, her entire body one big smile.
I tried my best to get her to open up about those special days, but it was a challenge. Never sure why, perhaps because I didn't know the words that would trigger the priceless memories. It's enough to know how much they meant to her, how much she was appreciated & cocooned with love.
Christmas always takes my heart down to Australia. Now, because it's where my fabulous nieces both live (one American, the other Aussie through & through) with their families. Always, because of the ties Mom made for all of us with Christmas ribbons of love & friendship.
Mom's favorite story about her Down Under Christmases was of my nephew digging into a big slice of cold watermelon, looking up with an expression of utter contentment as he announced, "THIS is comfort & joy!"
Mom - good on ya mate for being such an awesome example of an older person traveling the world even as you tipped the "old-o-meter" (her term) into your mid-80s ~and~ for making thoughts of Australia a forever part of my holidays!
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