Till he came back. I didn’t want to sound like a love-sick puppy so I decided not to mention that he’d gone. He headed to Melbourne for 8 days to watch the tennis…it was the longest time we’d spent apart since we met. I sound utterly ridiculous don’t I?! Slightly pathetic I know. But I’m so happy that he’s back.

I wanted to have a little something waiting for him when he came home so I got this portrait framed. It was painted in New Zealand in 1981 when Daniel was three. So for 27 years it has been moved from house to house, across state borders, from cupboard to attic. For a little while we had it displayed on our easel but that all ended when Che was big enough to pull it down. I knew if I didn’t get it framed soon it would get damaged and we’d be regretful. I’m so thrilled with the result. It’s just so special to be able to look at it and see what he was like as a little boy – sweet I think. And even more special that I can catch glimpses of Che in D’s young boy face.

I got sweet surprises too. This gorgeous teapot that sits ever so comfortably in the teacup. He found it here and I felt so proud when he said that he walked into the shop and it felt like our home. I try to make it that beautiful, I do.