I've been a bit spoiled of late...I've had some additional family members around over the last week which is rare, but very welcome.
My sister flew back to Sydney this morning but was here for a little over a week and my brother arrived last Friday and doesn't head home until Monday next week.
It has been really great to have them here. Yes, their reason to be here was sad, our father's funeral, however it was great that they could be here at all; About six weeks ago and they would not have been permitted entry due to COVID-19 restrictions...And dad's funeral wold have limited to four people. We were fortunate restrictions lifted.
Along with my brother came his wife and their 22-month old son. It has been so great having them around, and that little kid...Well, he's one of the funniest you'll find. I'd love to sneak you a picture but my brother would have my head for it so I won't.
We've been up to all sorts of things, the little tacker and uncle G-dog, and we've had a lot of laughs...Yes, I've taught him new words, and probably some bad habits but fuck it, isn't that what uncle's are for?
Seriously though, the kid absolutely loves me! When he wakes in the morning (early) he can be heard yelling uncle, uncle, uncle! Of course, as loudly as he can. I think his mum and dad get annoyed but what the hell...Old uncle G-dog is a cool dude so it's not surprising the little nipper likes me so much. 馃槀
I've been dreading the day they have to leave, about 5 days away, and I think I'll be a little teary saying goodbye to that little fellow and his parents...Damn, I wish they didn't live 4,000 kilometres away at the top of Australia! (I'm at the bottom.)
But something fortuitous happened today...Well, good for me, bad for them...
...My brother just got a message from the airline that his flights have been cancelled. YAY! I mean aww, too bad for them. (Actually Yay!)
The COVID-19 situation is accelerating again in Australia with the State of Victoria in lockdown and New South Wales battling to contain a new outbreak. I'm not sure exactly of the flight cancellation reasons, but certainly it's something to do with the flu.
We had to delay my father's funeral as my brother was unable to get flights down until the 10th. The funeral was on the 13th and he was hoping to fly home on the 15th (today). As it turned out no flights were available until the 20th. I was happy about the extended stay and his and his wife's work were understanding which was cool.
Today though, he found out his 20th July flights are cancelled and at this stage there's no word on when he may be able to fly home. My bro is still working out details around work, he's a nautical architect, and at the moment I don't know how it will go; Possibly he can work a little from here, remotely. My sister in-law is a vet nurse so is very hands-on...No working remotely of course.
I have mixed feelings. Firstly I am grateful they went to the (quite huge) expense of getting here for the funeral and that they were able to extend their stay; It meant some really quality time with them and my little nephew who I love very much. However I understand the financial and logistical implications around an extended extended stay. I don't think it will be easy for them.
At the moment my brother is still trying to work things out with the airline and then the process of arranging the work situation will be dealt with. I hope it works out and at a minimum of cost to them as they have spent enough already.
Secretly though, I'm hoping for another week with them. That would make me very happy...But shh, don't tell anyone I said that!
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
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