My Dad – Kevin “Herb” Gill

I have been thinking about family a lot today.  Whenever I do that I think about my Dad.  He died in 2004, 3 months after my daughter was born.  So, today, I want to acknowledge my great Dad.  Family was very special to him.  He used to LOVE it when we all got together.  He would just be happy that we were all there.  So, it’s exta special to me when my family get together, because I know how much my father would be loving the whole notion of it.  Family first…..that was his mantra.

He loved us all (my three sisters) unconditionally  – the true sense of the word – no matter what we did or didn’t do – he totally accepted all of who we were.  No matter who we went out with, what we wore, if we escorted home in a police car – he stuck with us – even if he didn’t condone what we did – he always let us know that he was on our side.  It was incredibly rare to hear him say anything negative about anyone.  He was solutions focussed and saw the best in people.  For years, he followed me all around the nation watching me play my sport of choice, softball.  He loved it and I knew he loved me.

I miss him.  I loved his sense of humour which was always lurking beneath the surface, regardless of the situation.  I loved that he numbered all his daughters 1 through to 4 – I was number 3 and use to call us by our number rather than our name.  I love that he use to speak in Australian rhyming slang and we used to have “Lillian Gish with swinging hips” (fish and chips) after softball on a Saturday at the same place.

I loved that he really appreciated other people’s talent and courage.  I love that he was was highly principled and he lived by them.  I loved that he was a creature of habit and you would know where he would be at any given point in the week.  I loved that he was thankful for his life and thought he had a good run.  I love that he wrote on the front of the brown paper envelope that contained his funeral documents “No fuss, no bother, no notices, no service, no tears, no nuttin’ –  have a good time & SMILE !!!! (even if it hurts).”

So, today, Kevin “Herb” Gill (we nick-named him “Herb” after a character in an Australian soap opera from the 70s – Number 96 for those in the know)…..I want to thank you for being you and for teaching me that honesty is the best policy and to never lose my sense of humour (I’m about 95% there).  I am soooooooo grateful for you.  I love you always.

Love Stephanie (#3) xxxx