Dad's Christmas Vacation
A small Christmas package was recently mailed from San Francisco, and is now on its way to Perth to Paul Kidd.
Nothing of any real monetary value -- just a couple of things I thought Paul would enjoy. Some used books that, even if he'd already purchased them, would replace what he lost due to the exodus. I don't even know if I guessed correctly in that department; hopefully they'll be well-received.
Among the items in the package is my father's wedding ring.
Dad had always been interested in Australia -- just like me.
After he became a teacher, sometimes when we were on one of his Long Drives, he'd mention that it would be a really nice place to visit over his Christmas vacation.
But it wasn't anything he'd mention at home due to Mom Being Mom, and I have no idea if he ever spoke about this to my brother.
Dad died in 2003, having never gotten around to making that particular trip. He'd been widowed in 1995 when Mom died of breast cancer, and had remarried pretty quickly to a lovely woman who, while kind, was very domestically inclined, and loved nothing more than to be at home when she had time off.
After his funeral, she gave me the wedding ring he'd worn when he was married to Mom.
So I decided to send Dad's ring to Perth for Christmas.
Hopefully it will act as a talisman and the universe will allow at least one of the following things to happen:
1. Paul brings it back with him in January when he comes to Further Confusion
2. I go and retrieve it myself later in the year, when I go to Swancon.
So, think good thoughts.
Late Breaking News since the above was composed: Apparently Paul is actually going to take the ring on what he calls 'adventures'. I've made him promise no spot-welding and no harsh chemicals --and I've asked for documentation -- but other than that, I've given him carte blanche.
Nothing of any real monetary value -- just a couple of things I thought Paul would enjoy. Some used books that, even if he'd already purchased them, would replace what he lost due to the exodus. I don't even know if I guessed correctly in that department; hopefully they'll be well-received.
Among the items in the package is my father's wedding ring.
Dad had always been interested in Australia -- just like me.
After he became a teacher, sometimes when we were on one of his Long Drives, he'd mention that it would be a really nice place to visit over his Christmas vacation.
But it wasn't anything he'd mention at home due to Mom Being Mom, and I have no idea if he ever spoke about this to my brother.
Dad died in 2003, having never gotten around to making that particular trip. He'd been widowed in 1995 when Mom died of breast cancer, and had remarried pretty quickly to a lovely woman who, while kind, was very domestically inclined, and loved nothing more than to be at home when she had time off.
After his funeral, she gave me the wedding ring he'd worn when he was married to Mom.
So I decided to send Dad's ring to Perth for Christmas.
Hopefully it will act as a talisman and the universe will allow at least one of the following things to happen:
1. Paul brings it back with him in January when he comes to Further Confusion
2. I go and retrieve it myself later in the year, when I go to Swancon.
So, think good thoughts.
Late Breaking News since the above was composed: Apparently Paul is actually going to take the ring on what he calls 'adventures'. I've made him promise no spot-welding and no harsh chemicals --and I've asked for documentation -- but other than that, I've given him carte blanche.