04/03/2026
ON A PERSONAL NOTE…
This page has been a little quiet of late.
I (Annie) took some time off and went to Vietnam for a long over-due holiday for two weeks.
A day after my return, my aunty Carol sadly lost her battle with cancer and passed away.
My cousin, Ang, who is the same age as me, asked me to deliver her mum’s funeral.
I hesitated briefly before answering, worried that the weight of my own emotions might compromise my delivery. But of course, I wanted to be there to support my family and to honour and celebrate my aunty’s life.
Carol was an exceptionally strong woman - stoic even. When she became unwell, she didn’t complain or seek out sympathy, even when she was in immense pain, she just got on with things and did what needed to be done.
Yesterday, I decided to borrow a dash of Carol’s stoicism, as I embarked on the most challenging service of my career to-date.
Carol is my aunty by marriage. Her husband, Ray, is my dad’s brother. Sadly, Ray died during the pandemic and our family wasn’t able to gather for his funeral service as restrictions and border closures did not permit it (CRAZY TIMES). So this gathering of family - and it is a BIG family (my dad is one of TWELVE children) - felt even more important, because we were carrying the weight of two goodbyes. And that was heavy.
But it felt so special to be surrounded and supported by so much family.
From the 12 siblings, 36 children were born. The first photo is 13 of the 36. Everyone in this pic also has their own family and children now, most of whom were in attendance. And that’s just fraction of us!
I think I have always felt quite lucky to have such a large, loving and connected family, but yesterday it really hit me. My heart is broken for my cousins, Ang and Dyan, losing both parents in such a short space of time. But I take comfort (and I know they do too) in knowing how much love and support they have from so many dedicated and loving aunts, uncles and cousins. We are all so well looked after, and held by extended family.
It was a great privilege to lead yesterday’s service. I am now absolutely exhausted and emotionally drained, and I think it will take a little while to start to bounce back. But it was a stark reminder to live each day in a way that MATTERS and never take for granted the time we have with the people we love. It is the most important and precious thing we have.
Rest in peace, Carol.
You were so loved, so adored, and you will be deeply missed.
💔
