This is a post about a man I loved.
This man loved not only me, but five others too.
His love was so open and warming that there was never a moment that I doubted his love for me.
He was my step-father.
At 21 he met my mother (33) he shared her burden of us six kids like we were his own.
Whenever we were upset or lost as children, he always found a way to make us smile and laugh; he was the biggest jokester I ever knew.
He would hide behind corners and jump out at us, he would take his teeth out and pull faces at us (which as a child, may very be the funniest thing since watching Get Smart on the TV), he would crank the music up to 11 and dance and sing like there was no tomorrow.
As for football… I don’t think there was ever a greater fan of the Geelong Football Club (AFL [Australian Football League]) in those days in Western Australia, we didn’t have as large a following as we do now, so when the AFL came on the TV, you couldn’t hear a car crash in the next room. He would get up with the fans in the audience on the TV, armed with his beer stubby in hand, his Geelong football jumper on and sing the Geelong anthem, making us children all stand up to sing with him.
He would light up any room he went into with his quirky personality, he was the type of man who would religiously read the newspapers everyday as they came off the press.
He’d drive us into the city to go pick it up (This is when we were in Burrendah, a time before the Freeway existed; taking a total time of one hour to get there and back) .
I will never forget this man, he was the typical Aussie ‘bloke’ , if children were equipped at Birth to be the epitome of Australian; that is what this man was never seen without.
Thongs, Beer stubby, Blue shorts and singlet, thongs, beanie and always managed to gravitate towards a barbeque within the immediate area.
A bricklayer by trade, a husband by marriage and a father through love.
This song is for my brother, I send all my love to him; he loved him as much as I did and is currently trying to come to grips with his passing.
“He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother – The Hollies”
Frank, if you can hear: We all miss and love you dearly.
Thank you for being the best dad you could be.
Loving you now and forever, Paula.
depressionexists 
What a lovely warming tribute
Thank you, He was truly a beautiful man. I’m about to go pack, as I leave for Melbourne tomorrow morning for his funeral. Hugs Paula xxxooo
❤ huge hugs for big sis from lil bro.
Thank you, little brother! My other little brother is meeting me in Melbourne tomorrow morning. I need to be with him. Hugs Big Sis xxxxooo
welcome. family time is awesome time. Have a good time with him.
so , beautiful words , my dear friend , I wish to you all the best
Thank you, Stefan. It’s easy to write about people you have loved and have loved you. I hug you…Paula xxxooo
You are too lucky to have such very delightful moments with a great soul!! If ya don’t mind, update a post including his pic. Have a good time there. God bless. 🙂 🙂
Rahul
Thank you, Rahul. We were all really lucky to have him in our lives. I didn’t post a picture out of respect for the family, sorry! 🙂 Thank you for blessing me, I really like that. Hugs Rahul….Paula xxxxooo
What a beautiful tribute to him Paula. It’s wonderful
{{{HUGS}}}
Thank you, Alastair. And thanks for the huge hugs!! 🙂 …Paula xxxxooo
What a blessing! This brought tears to my eyes. ((HUGS)) xo
Thank you, Maryanne. I’m bracing myself for the flight tomorrow morning as I think the tears will start. Hugs to you…Paula xxxooo
Such a beautiful post about your step-dad. He must have been very special. I am so sorry for your loss. Big hugs xxxx
Thank you! He really was amazing. My plane has just landed…hugs Paula xx
Had he read this, He would have loved it!! Cheer up.. His blessings are there with you and your siblings, ALWAYS!!!
That’s so true! And thank you for making me smile. 🙂
Hugs Paula xxxooo
Anytime 🙂
Paula, that was beautiful. It choked me up. What a wonderful man to have in your life.
ivonne
Thank you, Ivonne! Huge hug….Paula xx
You are the queen of beautiful words Paula x
What a lovely thing for you to say. 🙂 My plane just arrived and its pouring with rain in Melbourne. 🙂
Perth was sunny! Lol Hope it clears a little for the funeral tomorrow. Hugs to you….Paula xxxxooo
Do not let the gloom of our weather increase your sadness. My condolences as I have previously said. I hopew that the service goes smoothly for you and your family. Beautiful tribute lovely xxxxx
Hey Mumsy. 🙂
I won’t . I’m glad I’m here with my little brother.
Huge hugs….Paula xxxooo
What a wonderful tribute, Paula. Your step-dad sounds like he was an amazingly loving man. Lots of love and hugs to you and the family. Thinking of you as you are mourning his passing. xxxx
I adore that Hollies song. 🙂
Thank you! I hug you….Paula xxx
Heart warming tribute, sounds like a great guy. My thoughts are with you all.
Thank you. He was great. Hugs Paula xxx
Oh Paula. You brought tears to my eyes. Beautifully written.
Love,
Meg xxx
Hey sister in law!! 🙂
Thanks Meg. In hope Michael liked it. About to go to the funeral. I’ll give Michaels love. See you Sunday.
Love you….Paula xxxxxxooooo
Darn word correction thing!! It changed my I to In… xx
Sending love and support to you and your family during this period of time Paula. xo
Thank you, Penny. Hugs to you… Paula xxxooo
A beautiful tribute.
xxx
Thank you, Rachel. Back in Perth now. It stopped raining the day of the funeral. I was so happy! Hugs Paula xxxooo
A gift from me to you is here :
Have a nice day ! Cristi.
Thank you, Cristi. 🙂
Huge hug….Paula xxxooo
A wonderful tribute and I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much for the lovely comment!
Have a great day. Hugs Paula xx
My condolences, Paula, to you and your family. With love and prayers. Perpetua.
Thank you, Perpetua.
Have a great day and thanks for your prayers.
Hugs to you… Paula xxx