The 18th of April 1999 was the day when we travelled by Ferry Boat from Parramatta to Sydney (Circular Quay). Peter’s sister Ilse was with us She was still sad, because her husband, Klaus, had died the previous year. However, she liked to stay with us for a while. After a two months visit she went back to Berlin with the promise to visit us again.
The 18th of April 1998 happened to be the birthday of Klaus, his last one before he died. So on the Ferry on that day a year later Ilse could not help but thinking that it was the anniversary of the birthday of Klaus and how he would have loved this Ferry trip too.
Gaby and David were with us on that boat. David went straight away to the front deck after boarding and stayed outside for the whole trip. Ilse and I stayed inside with Gaby who was in her wheelchair, of course. Peter went backwards and forwards all the time taking pictures.
In March 1999, soon after Ilse had arrived from Germany, we went with her to visit Gaby at her place in Merrylands West. This is where she met David too for the first time.
AuntyUta 
Memories are a mixture of joy and sadness, of love gain and lost, in all, it helps us reconnect with love ones no longer with us and help us feel their presence like it was only yesterday. I truly appreciate how family and friendship means so much to you and that every journey not only is an adventure but a celebration of life of people around you. God bless my friend. We will always sail with you. All the best to you and family.
Thank you so much, dear IT. Gaby and David sadly are no longer with us. Gaby died exactly two years ago and David died some thirteen months later.
We saw Ilse and her new partner when we were visiting Berlin in 2010 and again in 2012.
Ilse came visiting us again here in Australia in 2001 and also when Gaby was celebrating her 50th birthday in 2007. Ilse made sure she could be here for this special occasion.
These days we keep in touch with Ilse via Skype. It is wonderful how it is possible to keep in touch this way! 🙂
I remember the day on the Parramatta “Rivercat” like yesterday. Ilse was allowed to travel for free as she was the nominated carer for the day.
Yes, Peter, I remember this too. how she did not have to pay for the cruise for she was there as Gaby’s carer! 🙂
Wonderful images to keep the memories alive.
Thanks, Linda
Beautiful memories Uta, memories that will keep coming back day after day and year after year.
A treasure box of beautiful times and moments.
Ian
Oh yes, Ian, these pictures always bring back memories. –
What happened three days ago is going to haunt us for some time yet. Peter and I had been flying the same way: Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur; but this was before there was all this trouble in the Ukraine.
I think peace is what we all need. Hope you and Ana are well.
Love, Uta