We have a new daughter!

After the loss of mother and best friend Monica has chosen to be a part of our family in Darwin.  We can't ever replace her mother, and wouldn't try to, but we're very thankful that we can be there for her and provide a loving and caring environment.

 

Monica will be 16 on the 26th of July and has enrolled in Year 11 at Marrarra Christian College where Rosanna goes.



Gwenny and Rosanna get a birthday dog!

Paul eventually weakened and bought a little dog we called Lily for Gwenny and Rosannas birthday.

She is a Maltese-Shitsu cross.

Rosanna is 15 today

Rosanna turned 15 today whilst we are camping at Douglas Hot Springs.

ShirleyAnne passes away

Paul and Craig's older sister ShirleyAnne lost her battle with cancer at first light on this day.

ShirleyAnne found out she had cancer mid 2006 and initially we were given the impression by doctors that it wasn't too serious but things rapidly got worse and later last year she knew that it was very serious.

Paul had a lot of support from his employer (Batchelor Institute) and was fortunately able to spend a lot of time with her both when she was still quite mobile and then at her bedside.  He made quite a few trips and was able to stay for weeks at a time sometimes.   A lot of people were able to go with Paul on these trips to Wyndham to visit ShirleyAnne including Gwenny, Craig, Aunty Wendy, the Possinghams, and Peterboy.

 

Paul and ShirleyAnne's sister Bronwyn "Bowie" was with her when she passed away peacefully in her bed.  Her last few weeks were spent in a coma at home and she was not responsive to anyone.   We were amazed by her courage.

The funeral was held a month later on the 4th of April 2007.  It was a beautiful rainy day and a lot of family were able to attend from Darwin and elsewhere.