Hey Ho ya all, As i am a sentimental chap, I really must share the news that today our wonderful Son Lochlan Jay has graduated Grade 12 from Shalom College. We are so proud of him and just over the moon. He even jagged a major award for Trainee Ship of the Year for the Medical Admin courses he has been doing for the last 2 years and just has completed his Cert 3. Jules and I are just so thankful to all the fantastic staff at Shalom College, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Bundaberg,Epic Training, Bundaberg Tafe and Community Lifestyle Support for his working job on his trainee ship and everyone involved in his education and life journey up till now. I cant believe the loving and caring by all these wonderful organizations. Jules and I love you all. You know who you are.
Here is a photo from his Prom with his Mate Emily who he has gone through school with. People are not joking when they say kids grow up fast. 18 years in a flash. During the year us parents were all asked to write a letter to our kids on camp and I want to share my love for him with the world. He presented us with his own letter but that is for Jules and I.
Regards and best wishes to all the Shalom College community, Dallas and Jules.✌️
Dear Lochlan,
I am writing this to let you know how much I love you. You came into our lives 17 years ago and you are the best gift I have ever received. You changed Mums and my life and have given us so much purpose and brought so much happiness.
About 17 years ago after Mum and I got married and had both worked hard since we were 17 we went on a great journey at 35 around Australia and we fell pregnant with you and we were elated. You showed up a little earlier than you should have through no fault of anyone's but Mother Nature.
Since your early arrival you have shown nothing but strength in survival and lived through much in your early days.
From the moment you were born I was impressed with your will to live as you even astounded the medical team that supported you. The odds were against you but you proved them all wrong and had that will to live. Ever since those early days you have proved time and again you are a winner. You have always showed that you are willing to give anything a go and that is what life is all about. Just having a go. Mum and I have done our best to provide a safe and happy home for you to grow and develop and held your hand along the way. As you know we have always been a team and have talked openly and honestly with you from a very young age.
We have pointed you gently in positive directions regarding lots of aspects of life and then have hoped you would make good decisions. Well Mate, you have not let us or yourself down once. You always think lots about situations and come out with a high level of maturity. Lochlan, You and I know that I always give you a good hassling about being goofy but as you are a real man already you know it is with my affection and you are never precious. I am so proud of you and think the world of you. You know how happy we are as a tight family and I have no more real goals in my life except to enjoy seeing you develop everyday and watch you become a wonderful man. You have a heart of gold, been through so much with your medical issues when younger which not once you have whined about. You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. The best thing and most proudest I feel about you is your individuality. I am so happy you like the music you do and the alternative interests you have. You have made Mum and I proud that you run your own race and make your own choices and you are not a "sheep" following trends. You have great taste and yes, you are cool! Over the years we have had many people talk to us telling us how great a kid you are and how many top qualities and the personality you have. Mum and I are extremely proud of you and it is a great compliment to us also that people say these things. We, like most people were scared about how we would handle this parenting gig but it has been a dream run sharing our lives with you and watching you grow. You have always been respectful and I honestly cannot find a bad thing about you or your character Lochlan which again makes me immensely proud. I want you to know that we will always be here for you as you travel through life and will always help when you need us. Life is not always easy and you know that you can always talk to your best friends, Mum and I whenever you need to. I have every confidence in you to do well in life but you do have to work hard at it Mate and it will become harder as you leave school and go into adulthood. Life is full of traps and it is up to you to make the right choices. Always ask advice if you are unsure, it is how we all learn. Choose your friends well and look after those that look after you. We have full confidence in you and am sure you will go far.
Lots of love, Dallas.
Here is a song for you Mate, from Jules and I. We have always referred to our home as Crackerbox Palace!
George Harrison - Crackerbox Palace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ac34Khe-fc ... See more
