Leading from the front issuu

THEN OUR LIVES CHANGED FOREVER
Catherine and Pat would visit me often in Australia, especially
when I lived in Townsville. They loved Magnetic
Island, it’s short ferry ride from Townsville and the island
has great accommodation, lovely walks and stunning
beaches. Catherine especially loved the frangipanni.
On their last visit to me in Townsville we were having
a great couple of weeks. Again, we had a great place to
stay on the island, where a few of my nursing buddies
lived, which made for a party atmosphere. We had great
sunset picnics, walks on the beach and dined at Greek
styled tavernas perched above sheltered bays, looking
out over the sea. We could have been in Greece.
Early one morning we went to the mainland and headed
for outback Charters Towers, stopping at a great little
pub on the way at Ravenswood. I knew Catherine would
love the amazing stained glass windows throughout, and
inside we met a character called Dougie, a crusty looking
chap in stubbies and thongs. He was a great raconteur
and much laughter was had. This stop was before lunch
so it was strictly alcohol free. Departing the pub we noticed
a sign on the back of Dougie’s dusty old ute, “Wine
me dine me 69 me”, which led to some interesting yet
veiled conversation as we drove on to Charters Towers.
Apart from her reputation as a competent, caring
nurse and capable craftswoman, when we were chatting
on the day of the accident she said if she had her
time over again she would have liked to study law;
she had the intellect to think outside the square and
I think she would have done well in this profession.
We were having such a good time and I realised
that my parents were as much fun as my peers. Then,
in a split second our lives changed. The wheels hit an
uneven surface and I over-corrected. The car rolled
and was a write-off. Pat and I were barely scratched
but Catherine was gone. The rest they say is history
but my strong memory of this living nightmare was
Pat’s soothing words on the roadside as we waited
in oppressive heat for the ambulance. Me thinking
my life was over given I was driving and my mother
was dead but Dad in his distressed state was still able
to offer such comforting unforgettable words, “Please
don’t blame yourself. Don’t ever blame yourself. You
gave us a great time.” Pat gently encouraged me to
keep remembering the special times we had together
and his words helped me greatly in the years that followed.
Catherine and Jan enjoy a bubbles before dinner on Magnetic Island, overlooking the bay.
Remembering Catherine 235