Brisbane International Airport

• Saturday - August 4, 2001: Nine family members took us to the airport for our departure back to the states. While standing in line to check our luggage, I spotted a national sports hero of Australia next to me. I told my wife it was Grant Hackett, world champion swimmer for Australia. Then the fella gave me a puzzled look. It was actually John Eels, captain of Australia's world champion rugby team and also a national sports hero. In hindsight I should have politely approached him for his autograph.
• Well, parting with family was extremely difficult. Yes, I cried for quite a bit. Judith is such a wonderful person and it was such a pleasure to get to know her after 50 years. And to see my aunt and uncle again after 31 years was wonderful as well. And, to meet Fay and Cliff and their families for the first time was a great thrill. After all, if it weren't for Fay's encouragement, I wouldn't be here. Fay is so instinctive, you can't fool her. And Cliff is a great fella. He is helpful, generous and so funny. I had reconnected with my family and my past.  Jenni and Eddie are the best. They are so thoughtful, kind, and caring. And Raeanne is so warm and kind, and she has the absolute best sense of humor. And Andrew is quite a fella, it would be a mistake to underestimate him. I think the world of him. And Lester is a such a gracious gentleman. His wife Michelle is kind and so understanding. She is a great woman. So, this is who I am, and to rediscover my soul was so satisfying. This trip made me realize for the first time how much my mother raised me with Australian values and instincts. I lost a mother but gained her family. Australians are pretty special people. Maybe it's the land, the mammals, or the environment but Australia is not a foreign land to me. I felt so loved and at peace with myself. So, as Andrew once said to me , " Aw, you're home, mate".

...Australia is not a foreign land to me. As Andrew once said to me , " Aw, you're home, mate".