Carly Findlay

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Happy 30th Anniversary!

February 27, 2011 Carly Findlay 10 Comments

Today is my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. 30 years of happy marriage. 30 years of a free life together.

My parents met in the 1970s in South Africa. My Dad was there from England, working as an engineer. My Mum, a coloured South African, lived in Cape Town. They met at a party and for the four years they courted, they took a big risk. Apartheid ruled South Africa. If my parents had been caught or dobbed in to authorities, my Mum may have been sent to gaol.

It’s kind of the INXS song, Original Sin.

So in order to legally be together, they moved to Australia in January 1981. I am so proud of what they did for love. Moving countries. Leaving their families, friends and jobs. They had to get married within a month of arrival or Mum would have had to return to South Africa.

They married in Centennial Park in Sydney on 28 February 1981. The wedding was incredibly inexpensive – this makes me even more proud – a wedding on a shoestring that has lasted for 30 years. Less than $100, would you believe?!

Moving to Australia didn’t absolve my parents of challenges. Things became difficult when I was born. They had me, a severely unwell baby, with no family support, and new to a small town. I was in hospital for months at a time, 300 km away from home. It was tough for my parents, financially and emotionally, but they made it through. We survived it as a family.

It is nice to see them together – they make each other laugh. And when they’re apart, they talk each other up. They moved to Australia for a better life, and I think they’ve made a pretty damn good life for themselves. They live on an idyllic piece of land, travel on holidays regularly, have lots of friends and eat well.

I always say, if Mum and Dad could make a good life for themselves, anyone can.

Happy Anniversary, Mum and Dad. You’re awesome, I love you both.

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Related

anniversary, carly findlay, mum and dad, parents. apartheid, south africa, Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Girl in Oslo. says

    February 28, 2011 at 7:38 am

    Hi Carly:)
    Hope everything is oki with you…
    Congrats…

    http://www.girlaboutoslo.com/2011/02/time-for-giveaway.html
    Have a great day.

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  2. Luscious Llama says

    February 28, 2011 at 8:55 am

    Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. x

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  3. Red Phoenix Style by Willow and Lotus Phoenix says

    February 28, 2011 at 8:56 am

    What an amazing story – congratulations to them on their 30th anniversary!

    L
    xx

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  4. Karishma Sundaram says

    February 28, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    That was such a beautiful story! Congratulations to all 3 of you!

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  5. Pauline Vetuna says

    February 28, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    Lovely πŸ™‚

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  6. Merowyn says

    February 28, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    What a beautiful and inspiring love story Carly.

    Congratulations to them!!

    I hope your trip to the hospital isn't too shitty tomorrow πŸ™ πŸ™ πŸ™

    If you come to my hospital I will hold your hand!!!

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  7. Linda in Chile says

    February 28, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Dear Ms Carly, I love a love story and your parents' one which started off so dramatically is one of the best I have heard. Wishing them a very happy anniversary. Lindaxxx

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  8. louisa says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:07 am

    amazing story and very inspirational πŸ™‚

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  9. Sophie P says

    March 1, 2011 at 11:10 am

    Awesome story! It's so lovely to hear about long lasting marriages, especially in a time where people don't seem to work hard at relationships and quit before they've even tried to make things work. Thank you for sharing that with us πŸ™‚

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  10. Faux Fuchsia says

    March 1, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    congratulations!!! love this story x

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The material on Tune into Radio Carly is copyright. The writing in this blog is by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Most photos in this blog are by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without permission from Carly Findlay. This blog represents my personal opinions and experiences. It does not reflect those of my employers'. The information I provide about ichthyosis is mostly based on personal experiences. Please seek medical advice or counseling before trying any new treatments I've written about. Where stared, I use affiliate links on this blog. By clicking them, I receive a small percentage of the purchase.

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