Bill
Collins Family Newsletter Diary
Bill
Collins
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Bill's 70th birthday |
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Entries start at the most recent and go back to the
first edition in July 2004. To read the diary in
chronological order, jump
to the first entry
and read backwards.
William
(Bill) Collins is the only brother of Con Collins who is Ground Zero man for
this website. Kath was his wife.
November/December
2008 and January 2009
Daniel, Matt and Sarah
have completed year 12 and have all passed. From his school, Daniel
received awards for physics and systems engineering. Sarah is employed in
retail, Matt is still checking up on available work. If nothing comes up he will
not defer as he intended. Daniel will proceed with his Electrical
Engineering/Computer Studies at RMIT. Josh has decided to do VCE this
year. And he has his licence and purchased a car.
Rebecca has decided to do a year of Evangelisation
and will share a house with others and work 2 days each week to contribute to
the upkeep. This stems from the Youth Group which she and Matthew and Sarah
attend at their church in Burwood. This Congregation of Priests, The
Missionaries of God’s Love, are having great results with the young
people.
I was pleased to have a
visit from Con and Barbara on 18th December and catch up on the news.
We had a pleasant
Christmas Day lunch at Narre Warren and the weather was just beautiful.
July/August
2008
Matthew turned 18 and received his requested
new guitar as a gift from his parents.
Marg had a celebration
for Michael’s 50th and my gift of fifty balloons done in groups of 10
looked just great. Another gift was a delightful Power Point display of
Michael’s life thus far. His son Daniel did this item and included the
music of Chariots of Fire as the background melody. This was top-secret
from Michael and also was a great surprise for
May/June
2008
Aunty Kath writes,
“Rebecca is home safe and sound after 6 months away with many stories to tell
and photos galore! Antoinette is so happy to have her big sister
home with her.
Celebrated my 73rd (my
how quickly the years are flying) on Sunday 25th with those who could
manage at a place in
The children are
busy with studies, sports, and social events: Josh has decided to have a rest
from year 12 and do some work with his Uncle and then resume studies next year.
Matt and Sarah have both been in a play in their schools, and Matt has another
coming up where he will be tap-dancing!
Matthew turns 18 this
month and Michael will celebrate the big 50 on July 1st and is the first
grandchild in the Cummins Family. Marg, Daniel and Luke are planning
a celebration on 28th June at Narre Warren. Next issue I
will tell you about this and also the news of World Youth Day in
January/February
2008
Michael and Luke camped
on the Australia Day weekend, however, Marg and Daniel are not into that and
stayed home. Our folk all had holidays here and there and I went with Paul’s
Family to
December
2007
The year has just flown and I
prayed for the soul of your Mum at Mass this morning and prayed for all of your
family too.
The children are on
school holidays and next year the 3 lads, Matthew, Daniel and Joshua, born in
1990 and Sarah born in 1991 will all do year 12. Matthew and Daniel both
received Awards for scholastic efforts therefore they and their parents are very
happy. Matthew is now on Learners and since Sarah is 16 she too will obtain hers
soon.
Joe turned 80 on November
30th so
Antoinette is now 7 years of age and growing tall and very interested in all sports. Bill would be just delighted with her. Diane is changing schools after a 12 year period and going to a Grammar in ’08.
God bless you all with
many blessings this Christmas.”
May/June
2007
A very big surprise was
news of
The 27th May I turned 72 and Paul took myself and Joe to Holy Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral after which those who could attended lunch at the Templestowe Hotel.
Joshua obtained his
Learners so he is having a few lessons with Mum and Dad and there will be more
with RACV. Daniel was a handsome partner at a debutante ball. Joshua
playing footy and Matthew playing soccer whilst Luke is giving that a rest and
trying archery. Luke is to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on June 24th.
Sarah has started working at a food outlet.
April
2007
Aunty Kath says, “On
Easter Sunday we are all going to Narre Warren to
January/February
2007
Christmas lunch was at
Paul and Michaela’s home on a rather chilly day and how welcome was the gift
of rain. Michael’s family came and
Matthew, who is 16, had a
most enjoyable 2 ½ weeks in
March 2006
Aunty Kath says, “We went to Michael's at Narre Warren the Sunday
before to celebrate Luke's 11th birthday. The long week end he and Michael
went camping at Phillip Island - minus Marg and Daniel who are not too fussed on
camping! Daniel is in plaster at the moment as he broke his
radius whilst on school camp. Diane is a volunteer for the Commonwealth Games
and hopes to enjoy this little venture.”
January/February 2006
Aunty Kath says
Christmas Day was pleasant at Paul's with everyone there this time. Damien
picked her up and Michael and Marg took me back home about 6 p.m.
November/December 2005
Aunty Kath has had the stitches from the operation she has had on her
LEFT hand out and it is healing well. She
went to Sorrento with Paul's family for the Cup weekend which was a great break
from the routine. She
has her own little area at the Sorrento home and can make a cup of tea etc. for
breakfast.
On 16th
November, Bill has been gone for six years. Kath writes, “An anniversary
is poignant with memories and we feel a little fragile. Grief comes to all, but as
we travel this route I hope it makes us more understanding and able to have
empathy with others. After Holy Mass on 16th, I was able to gather
some orchids and roses fresh from the garden, and Paul and I went out to
Templestowe. The cemetery looked green and peaceful as we
have had a drop of rain and the grass had been recently cut. Paul
trimmed the grass around the plaque and gave the granite a polish and it looked
really good when we left.”
Other news from
the Bill Collins Family is, “Michaela's Dad has moved from Queensland and settled
comfortably in the new home. His room has his own chair and TV and an ensuite. He
is very proficient with the ironing so that is a chore which is
welcomed by all.
The secondary
school children are home already and talking of what to do and where to go in
this extra long holiday. Paul, Rebecca, Matthew and Damien had tickets to
the Australian Open Golf. This came about has Paul rented his Sorrento
house to some golfers, hence the tickets.
Christmas
Day we will all lunch at the home of
Paul and Michaela which is set up beautifully with a tennis court, pool and spa
and a billiard room. All can find something to do after lunch.
To all who read the Bill Collins Branch news, may Jesus, who is the Source of all Peace, shower you with blessings of joy this Christmas. Who knows what 2006 will bring? This year there have been several natural disasters and so much violence everywhere. As the poet wrote ".Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be for you better than light, and safer than a known way.”
October 2005
Michaela has recovered from sinus surgery and Kath
is having surgery on her LEFT hand this week. Matthew has been on a nine day school camp
which sounded quite interesting. Joshua will do his too and he turns 15 on
19th October. Kath has a girl who
comes to do her garden and she has planted two new grevilleas and one hakea.
They are all very happy that Michael has put on a few kilos even though he will
never be a giant. Antoinette has
started an hour of school each Friday where the children are read a story.
From there she goes on to her kinder.
September 2005
Aunty
Kath’s operation went well and she has had the stitches out and does not have
to see the doctor until October. Her doctor was on TV last month as he was
going back to Fiji to operate on a little one who had been burnt. Kath
comments that it is good that these specialists who earn a lot and have great
skills can then spare their time to help those who do not have the money to pay
for surgery.
Paul & Michaela were a great support to
Kath during the recuperation. Michaela had to have the sinus surgery in
September.
August 2005
The
Bill Collins family report from Aunty Kath is that Rebecca is safe and sound at
home after two months. In her hostel in London there was a bomb scare which
is a nasty thing. Some ratbag was trying to frighten residents. This has
been an interesting experience but not dimmed her love for travel. There is
the old saying 'been to London and seen the Queen.' Rebecca can say she
went through the Queen's house. Buckingham Palace is opened every now and
again so at the cost of 13 pounds she was able to join in and visit this historical
place. It sounds impressive. The young ones that she met
from USA were the most friendly so the thought of Camp America is well and
truly back in her mind. Emails were exchanged, however, work first
and uni next year.
There have been birthdays for Michaela and Diane and Antoinette. "Nana's Little Treasure" turns 5.
Sarah has been on camp down near Buchan Caves. Antoinette has had quite a lot of her golden locks cut off and has lost 2 teeth. She is a well balanced child and made no fuss of the tooth loss (unlike a sister, who will remain nameless!) The hair cut makes her look so much older and more like Rebecca. Matthew and Luke are doing well at soccer. Who would have ever thought that Bill's grandchildren would be playing soccer and not Footy. Michaela attending a ENT person for a check on continued sinus problems. The suggestion is to have surgery.
I’m having surgery on my right hand on 8th
August. A right hand is a bit more of a challenge. Paul said I could
go over to Balwyn to stay for a while, however, I have pre-cooked and
frozen my meals, and hope to handle the situation and pray for a quick
healing. Indeed I will ask the intercession of the late John Paul II as I
see where he is working quite hard from Heaven.
July 2005
Kath
Collins says, “From the Bill Collins folk, I report that Joshua's shoulder is
now just great and he is back playing footy and tennis. He helped me with
the supermarket shopping in week one of the holidays. This is what he
calls 'community service work'!! Diane says he still has to do
more so I am sure I can find something that has to be cleaned. Daniel
attended an IT seminar in RMIT which would be just the item for him as he is
that way inclined. Matthew turned 15 on 27th June and had some St. Kevin's
mates over for the evening. Antoinette (4) still saying she misses her big
sister Rebecca.
Rebecca is about to leave the London pub this weekend. Quite a
few negatives emerged about that place including an armed hold-up in the first
few days there. She hopes to pick up work of another type. In the
meantime a local contact has arranged for her to stay at a place in Brighton for
a few days. These Balwyn people have a young chap with them who is doing in
Australia the same as Rebecca is doing in London. The difference being that
the Balwyn folk had met this young man before this. Rebecca says she
quite enjoys London but it has been so very hot including up to 30C last Sunday. Brighton
is near the sea so it will be more pleasant for her.
Michael turned 47 on 1st July and Marg will turn 44 on 9th July so
we all met at a place in Blackburn for coffee and cake. Michael then
decided he was that close that they would all go and have a look at Paul and
Michaela's new home. Apparently it was featured in the Sunday Herald Sun on
3rd. I have not read it, but apparently it was to show the lighting display in
the garden area.
For myself, I attended the 60th birthday of my brother Mick at his
daughter's home in Burwood. There were 9 of the 13 Cummins members present
so we thought that was not a bad effort. We remarked that our Dad would
have been 100 years on 16th June. To this end I had a Mass offered for his
soul on the exact date.
Michaela has been to Queensland to see her Dad who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease so there is talk of him coming to live with them in Balwyn. His neighbour is a real gem and he also has a sister not too far from him.
June 2005
Kath turned 70 on
27th May! From her news report, the celebrations went on for some time:
“Paul &
Michaela arranged for Father McCarthy of All Hallows Church in Balwyn to offer
Holy Mass for me that morning. I received flowers after Mass and the tears fell
as a fellow parishioner recalled Bill and his past presence in the church. My
sister Maureen travelled from Ballarat and my sister Bernadette and husband
joined me for lunch. Paul and Antoinette (4) came later as we cut the cake
which Paul and Michaela had kindly purchased. Received cards, balloons and
gorgeous flowers from Michael and Marg. Rebecca drove over in the evening
with her 3 siblings and Antoinette was happy to play with the balloons again. The
week prior, my sister, Rose, and her husband took me to the Windsor Hotel which
is such a great place. We had lunch there and really enjoyed ourselves. On
Sunday 29th, children, grandchildren and their Mums met at Hotel ShoppingTown
and Marg invited her Mum as did Diane. There was another birthday cake.
70 is a big birthday and I enjoyed the celebrations which were devoid of
fuss.”
June is big for
Paul and Michaela with Rebecca flying to London on 8th June. She has been placed
in a pub where accommodation is provided plus the meals. She starts work
there on 11th so only has a few days to adjust to her surroundings.
The pub is about six miles from London. They have arranged various
contacts so this will be quite an experience for an 18yo girl. She is just
gorgeous so I know she will be made welcome and be a success.
That big move into
the new house has provided a few hiccups but that will settle itself down. As
that politician said, 'life was not meant to be easy'.
Joshua's arm is
doing O.K. and it will be soon time to take out the pin. He had been chosen to
travel to England with the school cricket team in '06 but has declined. That
is his choice and he will travel when he is ready. Damien was happy he was
chosen, but if he does not wish to go, that is that! How different
school is now.”
June 2005
“Damien’s son, Joshua, has had some arm/shoulder
trouble. He loves footy and plays for his school. A lad much bigger
came crashing down on him so he had a pin placed in the area of the 'growth
plate'. This will have to be removed in 6 weeks. Joshua and Damien are
Richmond fans so he, Josh, was delighted to have a Mr. Salmon, orthopaedic
surgeon, who attends to AFL fellows, attend to him. The assisting doctor
was the Richmond doctor! There was a long wait for surgery. They were told
to be at the Mercy by 11a.m. but did not go to theatre until 6p.m.
Rebecca flies out on 6th June, but does not yet know if she has a pub. Seems this is the way they do things. She has been told she may not know until 10-12 days before the flight. In the circumstance of not being placed in a pub, she will still go to U.K. and stay a short time and return home.
Paul, Michaela and family should be in their new 40 square home in Balwyn in the 2nd week of June. This home has got the works. It has taken more than a year to build and has every up-to-date item one can think of. Mind you, I have not been inside as yet but from what I have been told it sounds quite something.
Following up on Marg, who had a fall at her kinder and did shoulder damage, she was operated on pre-Easter. She looks great as being away from kinder she has tanned up and, as done often, has lost about 8 kilos. She just cuts out certain food items. The deal was that Michael, who is really skinny, was to put it on. This we are waiting to see!
Mothers' Day they all called in for a few hours and we did
the afternoon tea bit. Michael had requested apple pie which all seemed to
enjoy. I did the rolled pavlova that I had not previously done and it sure
has them wondering 'what is this'! My sister Rose, on being told that Michael is
so thin, suggested he eat three of these!!! We were able to sit out the back
yard as the sun was so warm. Damien remarked that the yard looks more like a
Summer yard as it is just so dry.”
May 2005
Aunty Kath has caught us up on the news from the Bill
Collins family:
The sad news of the death of Holy Father brought back
memories for Aunty Kath as it was only a year ago (7th April 04) that she had
the privilege of meeting him. She was sad but also glad, as I’m sure we all
are, that his suffering has come to an end. She says “What a gift it was for
me to be there on 7th April last year. Amazing. He sure taught us many
things, including the ability to cope with suffering and dying with dignity.
Imagine being in Italy this week. It is interesting watching the Vatican -
I can recall the streets nearby as you turn into the Vatican area. There
was so much I did not see it would be great to go back if I could be on a rocket
and get there in a few hours!!!
Rebecca may be doing 'Pubs U.K.' Since she is just 18 she
was told in the interview they actually prefer girls a little older, however, it
may come to pass this coming June. Pubs U.K., as I understand it, is where one
travels from Australia, all paid for etc. prior to leaving and the person is
placed in a pub in U.K. You stay at that pub for 3 months and receive your
board and food and pay (which is not a huge amount). This extends for 3 months
and, if she goes, Rebecca wishes to extend her travel with the money she has
earned and perhaps have a look at Greek Isles. She is ever so keen to pop
across to France for a weekend as she is doing French in her university course.
A girl with whom she went to Genazzano will be in U.K. at that time, and also
another lady we know will be in London in July. This lady is a
delightful woman with a great sense of humour and it is great to know she would
look up Rebecca. A woman with whom Michaela went to school in N.Z. lives in
London and they are trying to make contact. It is all so interesting and
different. As kids we travelled from the country to Melbourne* and thought it
was a big deal.
Marg had a little shoulder surgery after a fall in 'kinder'
but she is O.K. and with the time off including the Easter break and the school
holidays, she will be back on track.
*Aunty Kath lived in Wycheproof, Victoria, when she was
growing up.
February 2005
Aunty Kath has caught us up on the news from the Bill
Collins family:
“Rebecca, daughter of Paul & Michaela passed VCE,
turned 18 on 19th December, and got her car license the next day. She
received that which she wanted, Arts at Monash. However, she has deferred and is
working at a clothing venue. The outlet caters for all the school uniforms
from all private schools. Hence Rebecca has had to learn which goes with
what school. Bill often did shopping as they had real wool jumpers and good
quality shirts, etc.
Paul purchased a house at Sorrento and the family was there
from 2nd January until 19th. I was with them for four full
days and since Michaela, who is a beautiful artist, was due back in Melbourne on
the 7th January for an Art Show, I came back with her. It
is good to have a little break, but lovely to come home to 'the castle!'
School started for the children on Monday 31st, although
Daniel and Luke began on 27th. Daniel (son of Michael and Marg) is
continuing to shine in the area of electronics. He won the science prize
again in 2004. He is truly gifted in this and we can see him in the future
as an electronic engineer.
Little Antoinette starts 4-year-old kinder, so I will miss
her on shopping days. We have had this little routine of shopping at
Blackburn Square. Michaela requires so much more shopping than I do, so
Antoinette and I sit down for a chat and then go and purchase chips or some
other little treat. She will still come on Mondays so I will still have
that precious time with her.”
Aunty Kath met the Pope on 7th April, 2004 – here is Aunty Kath’s story about her Papal adventure.
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Aunty Kath meets the Pope |
Paul, Michaela and their four children, plus Michaela's Dad and myself all went on a pilgrimage (13 days inclusive) to a little village called Medjugorje. This is a tiny place where reportedly, The Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing since 1981.
There were only 13 in our group: the current group have 41. Just depends it seems. My health is not crash hot and a traveller I am not. However, since Paul and Michaela were in the group, and they look after me so well, and are aware of my many limitations, I decided to go.
Travelling as far as Singapore wasn’t too bad. After waiting three hours for the connection to Rome, I was not feeling so bright. From Singapore to Rome I was quite unwell, and we had a 40 minute drive to the hotel. The program was for a Vatican tour. I went to bed and slept for about three hours. On waking, I still had the dry-retches. I thought, if I was like this at home, I would have a cup of tea and bread and vegemite.
I rang room service and very s-l-o-w-l-y requested tea and toast. A thick Italian accent said 'no toast'. Finally received tea and biscuits by which time Paul and all the group had returned from The Vatican. He said, 'This is fabulous, can you do it?'. I had the wheel chair and away we went. The air was quite cold which probably put a bit of life into me. I am so glad to say I have done the Vatican tour. So delighted I have such a wonderful son in Paul.
We spent the night in Rome and next day went for the English Audience. We had our tickets and just moved in and being in the wheel chair again, Paul and I were just told go up...and...up. Suddenly we were on the platform. All I could think of were the words of Michael that I would be with the 20,000 and hardly see a thing!
After Holy Father spoke we were presented. I was told I could speak, but Paul was not to speak. The fat chap there in the picture says 'from Australia' so I did not say that. I just said, 'Holy Father, I am on my way to Medjugorje'. He said something in another language. Paul and I were thinking, can our group see us? They could and were laughing and crying as we caught up with them. This was amazing, and surely worth being so sick on the plane. There is an air of holiness and serenity around the Holy Father and there we were. Of course too, the surprise of it, we had no idea this was going to happen and you can see we are in 'travelling gear'.
After that we had lunch prior to flying to Split (just two hours) and Paul rushed around the streets of Rome to order the photo. It arrived in Australia about two weeks later. In actual fact, Holy Father looked better close up in April than what I had seen on TV. However, seeing him two weeks back, to celebrate 26 years in the Papacy, I thought he had failed.
Medjugorje is in Bosnia and the country is getting back on its feet after the war. We had to pull ourselves into line and recall that we were pilgrims and not tourists as facilities are not like at home! It rained daily until the day we left when the sun was out and a brilliant blue sky. Medjugorje is a place of prayer and there have been many conversions including the woman who runs the O'Connor Travel Service who organized the tour. The great emphasis is on the Sacraments and one joins a line for two hours to get to Confession. The Priest travelling with us spent four hours in the Confessional on Holy Saturday night. Naturally all languages are catered for. For myself, I heard Holy Mass in German, Korean, Dutch and Romanian. The church of St. James holds 2000 but as young Sarah said she never once had a seat. We were packed in like sardines - yes I mean, sardines.
The trip from Medjugorje back to Split is breath taking, and being a sunny day we saw it at its best. We had lunch over-looking the Adriatic and the scenery was a joy.
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