“I promised Dad that my children would know his stories. I kept my promise and accidentally changed my life…”
Dad and I - 2008.
Dad was a cray-fisherman from Western Australia who died of Motor Neurone Disease (or ALS) in May, 2009. My kids were still very little at the time and I promised him that they would know his stories. He was a great Raconteur and I knew it was important to both of us that my kids had some sense of who he was; not just as a Grandad in a photograph, but as the man who loved them. Sharing his stories was the easiest way I could think of to keep his legacy alive.
We all grew up listening to Dad’s stories about his day on the ocean; dolphins, sharks, whales. The Baby Dolphin story was a family favourite at bedtime - often repeated and aways elaborated in ways that I can barely remember. So, when it came to keeping my promise that story - the one about the baby dolphin - seemed the obvious place to start.
As I was writing Dad's stories, I met Naomi Bulger who kindly agreed to illustrate the book for me. 'Grandad and the Baby Dolphin' was launched in Jurien Bay at the 2016 Blessing of the Fleet - my home town. This is an annual festival where the fishing fleet are blessed before setting out for the season - it keeps them safe and returns them home. It was perfect.
Then ‘Grandad and the Baby Dolphin’ won an award in the USA. Bronze - Moonbeam Children's Book Awards - Best First Book. It was super exciting.
The Medal…
Better still - watching my kids respond to seeing their Grandad, his purple boat and our family story in print. My nieces and nephews (now in their 30s) loved it too. The whole family loved it - it was such a joy to do.
So I made another book and was devastated when Naomi said she couldn’t illustrate this time. That's when she kindly told me that I was good enough to draw my own illustrations. I know she believed I could, but I panicked and hid. I am still hiding when it comes to embracing my life as an 'Illustrator'.
Our family story in print - priceless…
But, as I’ve told you before, it’s time to stop hiding! I choose to keep my promises to Dad, which means I need to keep writing, keep drawing, keep exploring. So here I am, at the end of my story but the start of the journey. And look - you've opted to come along with me! I can’t tell you how honoured that makes me feel. Thank you ...