‘I'm with you, mate': Days after Rob's son drowned, so too did Adrian's daughter
Rob: Lachie died on January 14, 2024, in a drowning accident in Yamba [on the NSW North Coast] while he was on holiday with some close family friends. Eleven days later, Adrian and his family were at a national park in New Zealand when Tegan drowned. Our families didn't know each other, but a mutual friend suggested we meet – to be around other people who knew what we were going through.
Adrian and Deb visited us – me and my wife, Liz – at our home a week after Tegan's funeral. They stayed for about five hours. We were all in the same state of shock and horror and there were a lot of tears. Adrian wanted to hear about our family and our story; he was a great listener and very patient with us while we talked about Lachie. We felt an instant connection. I've never hugged anyone for so long I've known for so short a time.
We started catching up weekly as couples after that and, quickly, Adrian and I formed this close relationship. If we didn't speak for a couple of days, I'd get a message from him checking in to see how I was doing. After seeing him, I felt energised – uplifted even.
We'd meet for yum cha in Rhodes [in Sydney] and would just sit and talk until the restaurant kicked us out; we didn't even notice the staff impatiently side-eyeing us. It was as if the whole world disappeared. We could talk freely about our kids, laughing about things they'd said or done, about the people they were becoming. Every time, I'd walk away feeling liberated and at peace; I'd been heard by him.
'To have Adrian, who's going through the same experience at the same time, is just a blessing. I have someone I can trust.'
Rob Maniscalco
I was raised Catholic and have questioned my faith over the years, but have now become very spiritual. Adrian's background is also Christian, but he's a rationalist. I've started seeing signs.
Lachie loved golf – it was his sport. I'll say, 'Lachie, I need a sign,' then trip over a golf ball walking through the park. Sometimes, when Adrian's talking about Tegan, I can feel her in the room with us. I hesitated to bring this up with him but, when I did, he just said, 'Rob, I want to hear from her. If you can feel her energy, tell me.' I know a lot of people think this stuff is woo-woo, but he's open to hearing what I have to say, despite being a very practical thinker.
Don't get me wrong: it's a battle. I cry every day. But when I'm struggling, the first thing I think is, 'I've got to call Adrian.' Friends I've had for 30 years are devastated for us, of course, but they don't truly understand. To have Adrian, who's going through the same experience at the same time, is just a blessing. I have someone I can trust. I'll tell him how I'm feeling about certain things and he says, 'I understand. I'm with you, mate.' I see him as a brother and, as time goes on, I only feel more comfortable around him. He'll always be in my life.
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The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
Marie is 105 - guess what she got up to for her birthday?
Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said. Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said. Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said. Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said.
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Sky News AU
'Very sad and difficult time': Brisbane elite private girls school in shock after sudden death of student leads to closure
An elite all-girls Catholic school in Brisbane has been left shaken after a student died by suicide over the weekend. All Hallows' School closed the 159-year-old institution on Tuesday, bringing all activities to a complete halt after breaking the news of the passing of a Year 9 student. The school's principal Catherine O'Kane sent an email to parents, caregivers and the extended school community in the afternoon that read: 'It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Stella Medeiros-Hodge, Year 9 (Whitty), overnight on Sunday. 'Stella is the beloved daughter of Lucia and Iain and the sister of Isabella (Year 12). 'The family have shared with us that Stella died by suicide. 'At this very sad and difficult time, Stella's family have requested privacy. 'I know that our community will respect this with the utmost sensitivity and care. 'I also encourage you to speak with your daughter about responding to this news with compassion and the thoughtful use of social media.' On Tuesday, parents were seen rushing to the school to pick up their children by 2pm as it closed in light of the tragedy. Ms O'Kane advised parents to monitor their children's engagement with social media and the amount of time they are spending online. She also noted scheduled school activities have been postponed revealing no clear timeline of when it will return to normal operations. 'I also want to let you know that we have postponed the spirit week activities that were planned for the remainder of the week, and the Adderton house mass scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday morning) has been postponed," she wrote. 'At this time, it is our expectation that all other scheduled activities will continue as planned. I know that you will keep Stella and her family in your hearts and prayers and I will provide details of Stella's funeral when these become available. 'The following prayer may offer a way for your family to come together in support during this time: Loving God, in times of sorrow and loss, you are with us. May your love surround the Medeiros-Hodge family, bringing comfort and strength. Help us to trust in your mercy and to carry Stella's memory with love and grace. Be near to all who are grieving and grant us your peace. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.' The sudden closure has sparked a demand for transparency around the institution's values and its students with parents and alumni now pressing for clear answers.
Sky News AU
17-07-2025
- Sky News AU
Camp Mystic co-owner waited 45 minutes to evacuate campers after getting urgent ‘life-threatening' flash floods alert
Camp Mystic's co-owner only started evacuating campers more than 45 minutes after getting an emergency alert about the 'life-threatening' flash floods, it has been revealed. Richard 'Dick' Eastland — who died trying to save young girls at his Hunt, Texas, camp on the Guadalupe River — got the initial National Weather Service blast on his phone at about 1:14 a.m., a spokesperson for his family told ABC News. But he only began relocating campers at the private all-girls Christian camp to higher ground around 2 a.m. — just as the situation began deteriorating rapidly. 'They had no information that indicated the magnitude of what was coming,' the family spokesperson, Jeff Carr, said of the floods that would kill 27 children and counselors. 'They got a standard, run-of-the-mill NWS warning that they've seen dozens of times before,' Carr said. Eastland immediately began communicating with family members who worked at the camp via walkie-talkie as soon as he received the alert, which didn't include an evacuation warning, according to Carr. They started moving campers to higher ground when they saw the floodwaters, he added. Carr said the timeline, which he stressed was preliminary, had been pieced together after speaking with Eastland family members who worked at the camp and frantically helped in the evacuation. He noted the family wanted to release the timeline to avoid speculation after the devastating flash floods ended up claiming the lives of 27 children and counselors. Originally published as Camp Mystic co-owner waited 45 minutes to evacuate campers after getting urgent 'life-threatening' flash floods alert
