Entry Details

Woke up at about 3.30 am and it must have at least been 5am (or maybe even 5.30) before I went back to sleep. I wrote in my diary, and even got onto Facebook etc, messaging my friends on there about what had been happening. The previous night (after being at the hospital), we got home and reminisced about all the 'good times' we had when Dad was still alive. We were going through documents and photo albums, and even had a drink of wine in his 'honour'.

The previous time in Ulladulla, we were all in such high spirits: We not only celebrated the birthdays of three very special people (Mum, Ingrid and Sean), but it was also a very special time for Dad (who was the happiest he had been in a long time). He had food that he really liked - Osso Bucco, red wine and Tiramisu - in a beautiful resturant and winery which reminded us all of 'days gone by' (when Mum and Dad lived in Tasmania).

I tried to call in and let them at work that I couldn't come in. I tried to ring so many times but noone answered the phone. Then, at about 11.30pm, I finally got through when Cheng Tan answered the phone. He put me through to Michael Fong, who expressed his 'deepest sympathies'. Michael then told me I would have to bring in a death certificate or an obituary notice in the newspaper, and he would let HR know about the situation (someone like Debra NG for instance).

So, in the morning, I had a million and one thoughts swirling about in my head and had to get them out by writing in my diary.The day was our first full day of life without Dad (for us kids). While Mum had known him for longer than what we did, he was our Dad and it was hard to imagine what life would be like if he wasn't around (in person).

And this was a beginning of a new chapter in our lives. We had to take stuff back to the hospital and chemist, as well as other agencies that had helped Mum and Dad out from time to time. After that, we had lunch at the club. I had some butter chicken, and even though it is one of my favourite dishes, I didn't enjoy it all that much because I was still feeling ill from the lack of sleep. Plus, I had to get more medication from Mum's doctor, and organize the rent etc.

Damon and Mark also organized for me to get a train from Bomaderry to Central (where I would most probably have to change at Wollongong); and then get a train from Central to Town Hall, and a bus from Town Hall to Lane Cove. I would do this on Friday, and I informed Kathy about this, telling her I wouldn't be able to make it to our training session.