i love you because…

When I look back on my childhood, I have nothing but fond memories and for that, I thank my parents.  Although we were never rich, we always had a warm bed at night, food on the table, and more cuddles than we could ask for.  We were blessed to learn two languages; play competitive tennis and I can still remember the day my dad came home with an Atari.

The only reason my sister and I were able to experience such a happy, safe childhood was because of the sacrifices my parents made.  When I think about what they went through to give their family a better future, words cannot express my gratitude.  We were born in Uruguay, a tiny country in South America and had we grown up there, our lives today, would be so very different.

Thinking back to what I was doing in my early 20’s, I could not imagine leaving my friends, traveling a million miles away, to live in a country I couldn’t even speak the language of.  Yet that is exactly what my parents did.  They left their family and friends…travelled to the other side of the world…and although English was not their first language, they both landed in Australia with two suitcases, two young children and two jobs (one each).

you sacrificed so much for us.

There is no doubt in my mind the decision my parents made so early in their lives, despite having a positive impact on our lives, was not always easy.  Many tears were shed while listening to a voice recorded cassette tape, the arrival of a handwritten letter or the occasional, old fashion house phone, international call.  I know it could not have been easy…at times scary, yet all along having to provide and protect your family.

I am truly grateful for all the sacrifices you made then and continued to make as I was growing up, oblivious to it all.  I’m grateful for the opportunities you allowed me to have.  And I’m grateful for the love you continue to give me today!  I hope when you reminisce on your life, it’s with a smile, a sense of pride and above all, a great sense of achievement.

~ I dedicate this to my Dad – Nestor Oliver

The post True Story No. 6 DAD first appeared on 365 Because.

There are people in the world who are just beautiful people…inside and out!  People who shine with such a bright light that draws you in.  They have this calmness about them that makes you appreciate the time you spend together.  I am thankful for every precious minute I have spent with my cousin Erika.

Life was never meant to be easy, and some people receive more than their fair share of challenges.  It’s how we ride these waves…how we come out on the other side that shape who we become.  Despite all the battles you have had to endure, you have grown to become a beautiful, caring, smart young lady.

you’re a survivor.

Never have I heard you question, deny, or complain about the cards you were dealt.  You just accepted it and took it in your stride.  Although there is no doubt it was hard at times, you maintained a level of innocence and joyfulness that I’ve always admired.  I wish we lived closer, so we could have played as children…I wish we lived closer, so we could share stories…I wish we lived closer, so you could shine your light on me.

While you have gone on to achieve many great things in your life, in August 2015, you blessed us all with your greatest accomplishment yet…Germán.  He is such a mini you.  He too has this aura around him that attracts nothing but positivity.  With you by his side to guide him through this wonderful world we live in, he is bound to have a long and happy life.

You should be proud of the success you experience today…I know your mum would be.

You deserve all the happiness in the world.

~ I dedicate this to my Cousin – Erika Cabrera

The post True Story No.4 ERIKA first appeared on 365 Because.

I had decided to finally make the long overdue trip to visit my family.  It had been over 24 years since I had last seen my Cousin now living in Vienna.  My mother would tell us stories of him that were always full of love and laughter and while my Cousin was known as the ‘troubled one’ of the family, I know she had a soft spot for him.  I grew up knowing that while we were oceans apart from our family, they were always close at heart!

I had finally landed and was making my way out of the airport.  Although I was super excited, a small part of me was a little apprehensive as I was not sure what I would find.  My Cousin now had his own family…he was married to a beautiful woman who I had only seen in photos, he had two children and he had planted his roots well and truly in Vienna.  I would be a mere stranger to him and his family.  Would I be getting in their way?  Had too much time gone by?  Would he even remember who I was?  What if we didn’t recognise each other?  And then, as I struggled, pushing my suitcases around the corner…I saw him.

you welcomed me with open arms.

Instantly I felt a connection…the excitement in his step as he made his way around to me gave me all the reassurance I needed to know I had made the right decision to visit.  He welcomed me with open arms, and gave me the warmest, tightest and most comforting embrace.  At that moment I knew we had a bond that no matter how much time had passed it couldn’t be broken!

Over the next week, I went on to meet his beautiful family and some of his friends.  We spend every day together.  He opened his heart and showed me a small part of his life.  We laughed until we cried, we drank coffee, we walked, we talked…and he gave me the greatest gift of all…his Time.

It was obvious why he had finally settle in Vienna.  He was truly happy!

~ I dedicate this to my Cousin – Gustavo Allidi-Bernasconi.

The post True Story No. 1 GUS first appeared on 365 Because.