Today, while many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, my heart always turns somewhere deeper — to my mum and the life she lived. Today is her birthday.
Mum used to say, “It’s the thought that counts.”
As a kid I thought that was just her way of making modest gifts feel special. But as the years passed, I realised it was one of the greatest life lessons she ever gave me. What truly matters isn’t the size of the gesture — it’s the love, effort, and intention behind it.
Her life wasn’t easy. She endured the unimaginable loss of her first daughter at just 18 months old. Yet she carried on, raising four kids with strength and determination. Years later, her heart was shattered again when my younger sister Carolyn passed away just before her 30th birthday. I’ve never known anyone who carried such grief with the grace, resilience, and quiet courage that Mum did.
There was a time when things were incredibly tough and Mum was homeless - with four kids in tow. But even then, Mum never let despair define us. She lifted our spirits and took my brother and I to sing at a church concert in San Souci that we had been rehearsing for months. That performance ended up changing our lives — someone in government saw it and helped our family find a home. We went on to join a choir and were always on the road. Shopping Centres, television, recording studios, the Sydney Opera House, rehearsals every week. Mum had ironed our uniforms, driven us there, and sat proudly in the audience like she always did. She was our biggest supporter as we travelled and performed on stages around the country.
Her love carried into every chapter of my life — even the difficult ones. During my struggles with alcohol, it hurt her deeply, but she never stopped believing in me. Because of that love and support, I found recovery more than 15 years ago. Today I live a healthy life, chasing sunrises and staying active — something she always loved. Oddly enough, I am much healthier now at 64 years old than I was in my thirties - it's a gift that I proudly keep in memory of Mum. Now that she has passed it became acutely aware that she is constantly watching me- so these days I cannot get away with anything as I might have tried to when she was alive.
This morning I thought about the frangipani tree she gave me many years ago. It has grown strong and beautiful, just like the love she planted in my life. I picked some flowers and placed them at her plaque on the eastern side of Stephens Peak — a place with a view I think she’d appreciate.
Mum, your words, your strength, and your love still guide me every single day.
I'm sure Mum would have been amused at me carrying a posy of flowers through the bush, in the dark, with a ton of camera gear on my back, fighting through the spider webs on the climb to the top of Stephens Peak. I am astounded that I managed to get said posy to the top in one piece - Mum knew how much of a klutz I am.
I was hoping that I might get a vivid sunrise this morning- and for a brief while there was some colour- but it turned to grey – but as you say… It’s the thought that counts.
Happy Birthday Mum. ❤️

Happy Birthday Mum

Eyes to the skies this week!

Contact