Postscript: The Power of a Life Well-Lived

Seventy years ago, when the world was at war, 2 young teenagers made a decision that would change the course of their lives. Friends had invited them to church where they heard the story of Jesus, and the life He promises those who choose to follow Him. The teenagers accepted the story and decided to give the rest of their lives to obeying Him.

A few years later they met and fell in love and marriage soon followed. They were mentored by young married couples in that church, and by watching and learning from those older Christians, they found the model upon which they would build their own family.

Those 2 young Christians soon became 5 and the children watched and learned the faith from their parents, who they later said were ‘the real deal’ when it came to a finding a foundation to their own spiritual journey. Never once did they see their parents forsake the faith or even compromise their values, and the results were very attractive. The children saw an enduring love between their parents, absorbed the fulfillment of a rewarding career, felt the peace and security of consistent affection and discipline, and later on saw the deep contentment that came from a well-earned, carefully planned retirement.

Those 5 soon became 8 as the children found life partners who shared their desire to follow Jesus and build their lives on a Biblical foundation. The values and beliefs they had seen in their parents they passed on to their children.

The 8 became 16 as grandchildren were born into the family, and these children were taught the same beliefs and values that were chosen by their parents and grandparents. To date, most of the grandchildren have also found life partners who share their faith in Jesus and are teaching their children all the secrets of enduring love, fulfilling career, peace and security and deep contentment.

From the original 2, there are now 35, most of them following Jesus, while others are still finding their way to Him through the prayers of parents and grandparents.

When all is said and done, is there anything more powerful than a life well-lived to the fullest extent of what God created it to be?

Psalm 71: 17,18

   Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
   and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.    Even when I am old and gray,
   do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
   your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Thursday: Canberra

Well, the final day has arrived and the Canberrans have saved some of the best till last.

The first treat of the day was to see Pop's beloved Special drive out of Ian's garage with a throaty purr and show of her glory to all and sundry on the street. The whole family congregated to watch her drive off and wait for their turn behind the wheel, Anne being the first. How Special was that!

Everyone had a turn with kiddies piling into the back seat whenever there was a change over.

The car was immaculate inside and sounded perfect as well, and even the exterior was polished up in spite of her old paint.

After that excitement we all moved down to the lake for a combo morning coffee/lunch, with the sun alternately warming us and deserting us. The little children were all getting very very tired, but the older ones played on every minute they could.

After lunch Iantook us on a bit of tour of Canberra, including Ainslie Church of Christ (hasn't changed one bit) and TJ's Tyres

Lastly, into Canberra Tech where we were hosted by two of the senior management team who graciously showed us all around the very large campus. The tour ended in the restaurant, which they said was one of Dad's ideas, and where a very lovely afternoon tea was prepared . The children received 'show bags' with hats and calculators, easter eggs and other goodies, a suitable reward for their endless patience at being dragged around adult destinations.

By now it was 3:30 and the Cutchie juniors were ready to head for home, all exhausted. As I write they should be nearing home and their own beds.

Once gone the older generation took to quieter entertainment: a cuppa, newspaper, book and ride around the lake for Anne & Joy. Beautiful autumn trees to be admired.

The evening ended most suitably with us watching Pride and Prejudice, the latest version, and all of us quoting our favourite parts and laughing at favourite characters.

Wednesday: Orange to Canberra

We had all been given strict instructions to be ready to roll at 8:45 this morning, and so we were. 9 am saw us all at the door of Orange TAFE (Tech) ready for our tour with the Campus Administrator Bridget. She was lovely!
The first stop, and the one we all requested was the machinery shop where Pop was known to hang out whenever possible. Walking into the 'shop' brought back many memories just by the smell of it. We were all very impressed with the absolute order and cleanliness of the place, just as Pop would have wanted it, and left it. Braden absorbed it all and had an inkling of the importance of it all. Joshie followed Braden.

From the college Ian drove us around to Lorella Circ. to see the old house, which was barely noticeable behind some lovely big coloured trees. I think everyone oohed and aahed over the beautiful trees and gardens around Orange, and a few were heard to remark "I could live in Orange." Nice town.

Then it was back on the road and off to Cowra, a one hour trip through beautiful and remote highland country. Mark to the bike once again and we all met at the Cowra Information Centre where  there was a very well presented hologram on the Cowra breakout. Lots of history lessons for the younger generation (the under 50's) and photos displayed of Pop Witherwick in some of the literature.

Lunch was consumed at the local park for the families and the coffee shop for the child-free.

Most then set sail for Canberra except Anne & Barry who took some extra time to go and visit the Japanese Gardens (all others having seen it or not willing to waste time and energy dragging children around it !!). What a beautiful place it was and well worth the stop.

Miraculously, we all then found our way to Singleton Cres. where the van was parked out front and all other families were alotted a room in the house. Good old David surrendered his room and stayed over with friends. Jenny had prepared a beautiful meal for the entire crowd, little ones being fed first and set up with a video to wind down and get sleepy.
To finish the night Ian gathered us all in the family room to ask one more question:
"What was the highlight for you over the last week?"
Answers ranged from:
"Rainbow Bay",
"The concert by the 3 girls"
"All the cousins having such a ball together"
"Visiting Dobby's Cres and remembering Pop at his bench"
"Greg's history of Pop" and "Greg's DVD of the motorbike history"
"Everything"
"Quality time with extended family"
"Learning more about Pop and the faith of the family"
"Seeing the Special in such beautiful condition in Ian's garage"
"The questions each night, especially the one on what made us cry recently" (very revealing!)
"Getting engaged to Jess/ Mitchell" and "announcing the engagement of Jess & Mitchell at Dobby's Cres".

Cam & Gayle had the job of offering the Welsh Plug award, and handed it to Mitchell for his ability to fit so well into a new and rather tight  family and be a good mate to the little boys. 

Finally, Greg read some journal entries from Ian's diary written on the Tasmanian ride, including some very interesting financial records of the trip. Mention was made of nightly games of 500, leading to outrageous challenges being sent out between Cutchie and Thompson brothers for a no-holds-barred match before going home. We will ALL watch THAT one with interest.!!

Ian finshed the night by thanking everyone who had a part in making the week so wonderful then offered a toast to the happy couple.

Tuesday : C'bran to Orange

A shorter trip today meant a nice slow start in the morning. Coffee and chat under the big tree after breakfast while kiddies made the most of the freetime to colour in or ride bikes (guess the gender!!)
A quick bite of lunch in Dubbo then on to Orange arriving in time to get settled into a nice park by the showgrounds.
Once again kids were out playing and making friends with other caravanners or kicking the ball with Mitch & David. Anne & Barry took to the bikes to have a look around Orange, especially some of the beautiful old buildings in the town centre.
A slight mix up with the accomodation ended up with 2 families in one cottage with a big enough kitchen and lounge room to let us have the evening indoors. Nights getting chilly!!
The boys bbq'd meat and Erica prepared the best hamburgers we have had in a long while. Apparently hamburgers, coke and cherry ripes were standard fare for the Tasmanian bike trip, so that's what we had.
Being the third and final night of the trip, everyone was prepared for the final of "Anne's questions', which tonight were:
"what was your first impression of your mate when you first met?" answers including,
"gee he's tall!", (2 of them)
"what a dish!",
"what's a youth worker wearing a tie for?"
"wow, a cool city guy!",
"she's cute AND wearing RM Williams boots" and
 "oh no, not a greenie!"
The second and final question was:
"what were the values that have been passed on to us from Dad/Pop, and what are your memories of him?"   answers including,
"His practical christianity and availability to all"
"He was amazingly clever (mechanically)"
"He was greatly respected by all, and carried that respect within him."
"He was the complete English gentleman"
"He was a rock, always the same, in spite of the enormous responsibility and pressure he must have had at work. He always had time for his family and whoever needed him."
"Although not a preacher, he lived the christian faith is such an authentic way that made us want to live that way too."
"You NEVER touched his cars"!!!
A lovely way to finish the trip.
Over coffee and cherry ripes Ian laid out the plan for tomorrow, while Erica awarded the Welsh Plug Award to Gayle (&Cam) for looking after 3 kids on the DKTRide.

Monday: Glen Innes to Coonabarrabran

After a chilly night we woke to sunshine.
Grandparents pulled out of the park first, not having children that needed feeding, clothing or chasing after.
As there were still some interesting hills to cross, Mark took to the bike once again. The scenery en route to Armidale was spectacular, with  autumn trees showing off their colour and fields green and lush from the rain.
The 'chuck wagon' (caravan) arrived at the designated park first and put the kettle on. Cars and bike pulled up over the next half hour, kids going immediately to play while parents headed for the coffee
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Next stop Gunnedah where the venue looked strangely similar ....kids in park, parents sitting eating, drinking, talking.
Last leg of the day was a quick trip to Coonabarrabran where Cam had booked us into a nice treed caravan park. Plenty of room to ride bikes and kick a ball.  Mitch and David were the heroes of the afternoon  playing soccer with the little boys while tea was being prepared.
Mark and Ian cooked the bbq while Erica organised salads and extras. She did such a great job again she won the coveted Welsh Plug award.                                                                         

                                                      reading the blog and comments 

After dinner discussion over coffee centred on 2 questions:
  "tell about a recent time when you cried"  and  " what activity causes you to lose track of time?"
The first invited answers both light and heavy, from movie scenes of motorbikes, horses and even a good ad, to current affairs and family heartaches.
The second produced the usual 'favourite activity' but best answer went to Jenny
   "Thommo says I lose track of the time ALL the time".
Another lovely day to be free.

Sunday: we're off

As Rohan and Nook were flying off to Melbourne, the rest of us were up and about packing cars and caravans ready for the trip south.

 By 8:30 we were all congregated on Rainbow Bay beach, a lovely morning  to meet with and remember Dad. Rainbow was at its charming best, with people everywhere, but the north end was free for us to gather for a re-read of Mum's letter from the day 20 yrs ago, (11Cor 7: 3,4) and a prayer from Barry.

From there we all went to church at Tweed, which is now at Banora Pt Primary school. What a great service, and how the church has grown! Worship was very easy;  Brian Bruce preached a challenging and thought provoking sermon; Brian 'interviewed' Barry on the purpose of the families' visit to the Tweed; morning tea in the courtyard and meet and greet several who wanted to be remembered to Nana.

 From church, back to Cabarita to hitch up the van, pack the cars and head off to Ballina. On the way the rain started and got heavier as the day wore on. Mum and wives very happy no boys on bikes.!! Lunch stop at Ballina Maccers (where else?) where good coffee and playground undercover makes everyone happy.

Kids playing musical chairs in cars and we were off again, through Grafton and up over the mountains to Glen Innes. The Territory did a sterling job pulling the van over the top. As the rain eased Mark slid his bike off the trailor, donned protective gear and headed the cavalcade through the hills, Ian in hot pursuit.
Greg and Joy made a dash to GI, getting to the supermarket with 15 mins to gather dinner supplies before closing.... hamburgers replacing mince for Mexican Pile On! Worked a treat.

Master chef Erica gets full marks for a fine meal in fairly minimal conditions.!!

Joshie saying grace and praying for safe journey: what a man!

To finish the night we all moved inside to get warm and discussion centred around 2  questions:

"what makes a good marriage" and " make a statement about your childhood".

Great answers by all.

Davo: " I've been well trained by Jess for marriage. Just do what ever she says as it saves a lot of time"

Editor's Observation :"Where else in the world could 14 adults sit in a room and ALL say "I had a fantastic childhhood"?   we are blessed.

Ian finished the night with a DKT Ride Award: the Welsh Plug Award, which today went to Mark for his ride over the mountain.

Saturday

Today was a free day, deemed so for family reasons:

• Erica was flying in from Alice
• David was flying on from Canberra
• Kiddies needed a day off smiling for endless photos and watching their manners
• parents needed a day off to catch up on family time on all-too-short holiday
• Cam needed to pick a motorbike from Brisbane
• Anne & Barry needed to catch up with friends in Brisbane (Uscinskis)
• Joy needed to put her house in order and pack for trip south
• Ian & Jenny needed time to celebrate with Jess & Mitchell

Phew! aren't we a busy family?

By mid-morning the 5 bikie boys (Greg, Mark, Cam, Marty & friend) had taken off on a ride around the hills through Crystal Creek to Nerang and apparently had a blast. After all the bike dramas, they finally had some success. Unfortuntely Cam's hired bike leaked brake fluid and is now out of the race for the trip south . "And then there was one".

Little ones built a fabulous sand structure and several coffees were downed by parents taking it in turns to have free time.

Cabarita Beach

It being Kimptons last night on the coast, the Cutchies had an elegant fish chip dinner to finish off the holiday. Exhausted children once again fell asleep before jamies could be donned, and some were heard to say "I don't want to go home tomorrow"
Other families had similar celebrations, with menus more up the nutritious end. Great seeing Erica and Davo again.

Sacha's speech

Friday

Another beautiful Qld morning, just right for a leisurely breakfast with fellow grandparents or cousins, a bit of washing on the line and a clean up before heading up to Terranora for morning tea at Dobby's Cres. At least that is one place on the Tweed that is still the recognizable.
Bob and Cheryl had prepared a great morning tea on their spectacular verandah, and when we arrived the littlies were all down exploring the tree house in the jungle.

Margaret and Col were there to greet us too. Col was out of hospital for a morning's reprieve, but not well at all.

During morning tea the announcement of the decade was made by a proud Dad of Jess and Mitchell's engagemnet and happy congratulations and photos followed.

After demolishing all Cheryl's cooking Bob took us next door to no.8, which still seems just as it was when Dad was working at the bench. Big kids oohed and ahhed at MG and motorbikes and grown up toys, while littlies loved a rocking horse and doll's house made by the man of the house. THose old enough just loved the memories of happy holidays there.

From there Greg, Ian and Bob took to the bikes and headed for Uki, with the rest of us following by car, with little kids all changing cars to be with cousins &/or grandparents. Lunch was at the idyllic Uki Cafe, where we occupied the entire verandah, kids up one end, parents the other. Hamish slept through the lot..... utterly exhausted from just trying to keep up with the big kids, which he normally does with gusto.
From Uki everyone dispersed, mostly to give the families a bit of a rest. Barry and Anne took the long way home past Mur-bah church, Byangum Rd house, main st, Tech College and Art Gallery, all much as we remembered.
Dinner was back at Brushbox Crt, with all the gang plus Bob and Cheryl. Marty 'drove' the bbq and Joy and Rachel added salads and southerners the dessert.

       the show                                                                                

The highlight of the night was the impromptu performance of the 3 little girls, with items inculding skipping, gymnastics, song and a glorious speech by Sacha. Grandparents and parents all suitably bursting with pride.
Last but not least, Greg showed us his DVD of the family motorbike history, starting from Dad's first bikes to the current day. No-one counted, but there must have been hundreds, of every make and style, and all of them 'fabulous' bikes, except one it seemed. Ducatis were the stars. Little boys watched and soaked it all in, some falling asleep on the floor in front of the telly, no doubt dreaming of motorbikes.

Thursday night

Well the event of the year has begun with a super dinner at Greg and Joy's place with all present.
Anne & Barry arrived first, squeezing the van into the back yard, closely followed by Mark & Sharon with bike in tow, Ian & Jenny, Jesse & Mitchel, Nook & Rohan, (who are all accomodated just around the corner in lovely units,)  Rachel & kids, Cam & Gayle and finally Martin coming in from work in Brisbane.
The kiddies were best buddies in record time, doing the typical Aussie thing of girls quietly playing in one room and boys rough and tumbling outside.

 


Joy had prepared a beautiful meal of baked potatoes and caramel tart....talk about about hit with the kids.
Conversations lasted as long as little ones could hold their eyes open. They all behaved so well.

 

Greg announced the program for the following day during the night.
The grandparents enjoyed a quiet cuppa once the noisy throng had left.

Cutchies Getting Closer

Melbourne to Gold Coast -- Barry and Anne:    6 days

                                            -- Mark & Sharon,  Cam & Gayle:   24 hours

         including Hinrichsen stopover

                                            -- Rohan  & Juanita:  2 hours

Breakfast at Goondiwindi  

                                                               The old gang together again

      Kids and bikes

Southport Broadwater

Pop's farewell April 91

A few photos from 1991, Pop's last holiday in Melbourne and the week of the funeral.

Ballarat Jan 1991

8 Dobbys Cres, after the funeral

Kingscliff beach, the day we scattered Pop's ashes

Leeton

Just a note for the older generation.

On our trip north we scheduled a stopover at Narrandera. Our caravan park is on Lake Talbot where Dad used to water ski and we kids were allowed to ride in the boat.
It was too close to miss Leeton, so we drove over for a look. I calculated it was 50 years since we left there.
Most of the road in I had forgotten, but as soon as we hit the main street the old Roxy Theatre was recognizable immediately, just as we had left it. Many happy Saturday afternoons spent there with all the neighbourhood kids watching cowboy movies. Fish and chip shop next door where 5d would buy a big bag of mouth-burning chips wrapped in newspaper. Young as I was at the time I was able to go immediately to the school, which was also just as I had left it, the Tech College and Hospital, and our house in Waratah St. looking very delapidated,  as was the whole street.
Altogether, a very enjoyable side trip, very appropo  the time.

House

Tech College

Primary School Courtyard

Infants School (Prep-2) where I started school

The water towers

Main St and Roxy Theatre



Let the Journey Begin

In the next few days family members from all over Australia will begin the return trip to the Tweed. Thompsons began arriving there in 1961, in a cream Humber pulling a homemade caravan. What an adventure. Eight years later some of us began to leave, starting new lives and new families in new towns. But the Tweed stayed firmly entrenched in our hearts.

Kel (Dad) took us there, and eventually died there. Now we're going back to celebrate his life and the seeds of adventure he sowed in all of us, by having one more adventure together. 

Thanks Dad.