THAT BOUQUET OF MOTHERS

MY MUM in later life. She was born in 1905 and died in 1971.

Here I am surrounded by a pictorial  bouquet of Mothers !( I think "bouquet" is a suitable collective noun for a group of Mothers!) Each one of them I have had the privilege and joy to share my life with, and each one has been a remarkable example of love and kindness in action, even in the gravest difficulty. The pictures are in no particular order. Obviously, the first Mother I knew was my very own dear Mum, who led a life of self- sacrifice, love, and loyalty in the most adverse circumstances. Her love was generous and kind, never in the least demanding.

She was the ideal example of her Father's philosophy that love and respect go hand in hand: if you have not got love you will show no respect, if you show no respect, you have no love. Grandad hit the nail on the head, and my dear Mum had absorbed the lesson and lived it out.

 

My Grandma Dixon -Elinor Margaret (Mag) Dixon

Born  1882       Died 1948

Next, I got to know my Grandma Dixon who lived on the next block one street behind us. Hers was also a tough life coping with a difficult husband and who gave herself to helping many human strays in the family orbit. She was very loving in her treatment of me and in early primary school days I used to walk home via Grandma's place, where she would always be seated on the verandah - waiting for me with a One Shilling piece( with its Merino Sheep Head image on it) clutched in her hand which she gave to me for treats. I can still recall its warmth from her hand, today.

My Grandma Beckmann. Born 1886  Died 1965.

My Mum's Mother, Grandma Beckmann, was a very special lady too. She was more self - confident and outgoing within the family group than my Mum or Grandma Dixon and her love was open-hearted and generous, her hugs big and strong. She was totally devoted to her husband "Ted" Edward Beckmann and in the family circle, she would refer to him as "Daddy"( they had 9 children!). When I knew him his health was failing, and though she would firmly proclaim that "Daddy and I are going to live on into the (Biblical) Millenium", looking back, I can see her anxiety that he was slipping away. She was a wonderful example of love and affection and that, constant and reliable. She had had a tough life with never a lot of money around, and when some windfall occurred an adverse development would sweep it away. She suffered a lot for marrying a "German" especially in World War I as did the older girls, reproached for being "Germans".I recall her unconditional love of me, and those strong, generous hugs today. And, as she lay close to death in Hospital, I can recall her calling out "Mummy" - my Grandmother, at the end of her 

life - calling out for Her Mother!

Robyn and the children in the Autumn leaves of Mount Wilson in 1979.

Then we come to the full-colour Mums. My dear wife Robyn and those three beautiful children, what fun we had that day in the bracing air and rich autumn tones of Mount Wilson! What fun we have had over all the years - and how much of that is due to Robyn, loving loyal, devoted wife and Mother. I guess we have had more good times than all the predecessor Mothers and their families combined and yet we have had a ton of tough times, but Robyn has been a constant source of love and loyalty through thick and thin, and even thinner! No - one could ask for a better Wife or, the children, a better Mother.

Our daughter Justine with 2 mths premature son Daniel (born 1st June 2009)

 now a charmer & picture of robust  good health

The latest Mother in the family bloodline is our dear daughter Justine, Mother to Emily, Christopher, and Daniel. Words nearly fail me (nearly! I always have a few left!) As parents we could not be prouder of this thoroughly modern Mother. She is an exemplary model of love and devotion in effective action, handling even the strain of tiny Daniel's birth, when this tiny literal handful of life seemed to us too fragile , she brought him to the fullness of healthy life with dedication and love, without skipping a beat in the care of Emily and Christopher and husband Paul. And like her paternal Grandmother, she is a stalwart strength for her parents.

So, Mothers of mine, I salute you and honour you, but most of all, I love you unfailingly.

BORN TO ETERNAL LIFE

ELSIE GEORGINA DIXON

On this day, 30th August, my dear Mum Elsie Georgina Dixon (nee Beckman) was born to Eternal Life - 46 years ago. You were the first born child of the young German immigrant Edward Toby Leonhardt Wilhelm Beckmann and his Australian born wife Louisa of English stock.

You grew to be a beautiful young lady, not only in looks but also in heart and spirit - and that is the way you lived your life selflessly caring for those you loved no matter how your " heart full of love" was treated.  

You were taken Home in 1971, and, I reckon Birthdays don't matter in Heaven, but anyway, Happy Eternal Birthday Mum. I think of you and pray for the repose of your soul every day.Thank you for all you gave to me in love and lessons taught by wonderful example, your life of 66 years was a frequently difficult one. Your departure took us by surprise - we should have known better.

You were truly "meek and humble of heart" and your life was lived for the benefit of others.  I am grateful to be the product of your gentle loving care.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord
and may the Perpetual Light shine upon her
and may she Rest in Peace'
AMEN.

ALL THE CROWNED HEADS OF EUROPE AND 10,000,000 PEOPLE

ELSIE GEORGINA BECKMANN victim of anti-German prejudice Born 28th May, 1905

All the Crowned Heads of Europe were still in place as they had been for centuries, with only occasional disturbances, Hansom Cabs still clip-clopped about the streets of Sydney, and 10,000,000 people lived and loved who never guessed that the War to End All Wars, the Great War would ,within a few years , propel them violently into eternity,that  Sunday, 28th May , 1905 when my dear Mum was born. That was 111 years ago.

AT AGE  24 YRS

She grew to be a beautiful young lady, saw the tough lives of her parents, the effects of WW I and anti-German prejudice. She married had two sons saw the effects of WW II , experienced the post War recovery, and suffered a great amount of illness exacerbated by bad medical treatment. She went to her reward at age 66, comforted and prepared by the Last Rites of the Catholic Church. 

By returning to the Faith of her distant ancestors, she had rejoined the Vine from which they had been torn by Law and persecution during the Protestant Deformation in England and Germany hundreds of years before. Thank God she did.

You saw only one ( baby Marianne) of your three Grandchildren and none of your seven Great Grandchildren - but not one of us would be here without you and your attraction to Jack Dixon's "kind eyes"!

I love you always dear Mum and pray for the repose of your soul still, for time means nothing in Eternity.

MOTHERS DAY AND A FATHER

ELSIE GEORGINA DIXON  My dear Mum who died in 1971 Aged 66yrs.

Here I am surrounded by a pictorial  bouquet of Mothers ! (I think "bouquet"is a suitable collective noun for a group of Mothers!) Each one  of them I have had the privilege and joy to share my life with, and each one has been a remarkable example of love and kindness in action, even in the gravest difficulty. 

 Obviously the first Mother I knew was my very own dear Mum,who led a life of self- sacrifice , love and loyalty in the most adverse circumstances.Her love was generous and kind, never in the least demanding. She was the ideal example of her Father's philosophy that love and respect go hand in hand : if you have not got love you will show no respect, if you show no respect, you have no love. 

Grandad hit the nail on the head, and my dear Mum had absorbed the lesson and lived it out.


 

GRANDMA DIXON  ( Nee Boyd) Who died in 1948 Aged  66yrs also.

Next I got to know my Grandma Dixon who lived on the next block one street behind us. Hers was also a tough life coping with a difficult husband.She gave herself to helping many human strays in the family orbit. She was very loving in her treatment of me and in early primary school days I used to walk home via Grandma's place, where she would always be seated on the verandah - waiting for me with a One Shilling piece( with its Merino Sheep Head image on it) clutched in her hand which she gave to me for treats. I can still recall its warmth from her hand, to-day.

GRANDMA BECKMANN Who died in 1965 Aged  79 Yrs.

My Mum's Mother, Grandma Beckmann, was a very special lady. She was more self - confident and outgoing within the family group than my Mum or Grandma Dixon and her love was open-hearted and generous, her hugs big and strong.

 She was totally devoted to her husband "Ted"Edward Beckmann and in the family circle she would refer to him as "Daddy"( they had 9 children!). When I knew him his health was failing, and though she would firmly proclaim that "Daddy and I are going to live on into the (Biblical) Millenium ", looking back ,I can see her anxiety that he was slipping away.

 She was a wonderful example of love and affection and that ,constant and reliable.She had had a tough life with never a lot of money around , and when some windfall occurred an adverse development would sweep it away. She suffered a lot for marrying a  "German" especially in World War I as did the older girls, reproached for being "Germans". I recall her unconditional love of me ,and those strong, generous hugs to-day. And, as she lay close to death in Hospital  , I can recall her calling out "Mummy" - my Grandmother, at the end of her life - calling out for Her Mother!
 

                                            My dear wife Robyn

                      Robyn with Marianne, Justine and Matthew at Mount Wilson


Then we come to the full colour Mums. My dear wife Robyn with our three beautiful children, what fun we had that day in the bracing air and rich autumn tones of Mount Wilson! 

What fun we have had over all the years - and how much of that is due to Robyn , loving loyal, devoted wife and Mother. I guess we have had more good times than all the predecessor Mothers and their families combined and yet we have had a ton of tough times, but Robyn has been a constant source of love and loyalty through thick and thin, and even thinner! No - one could ask for a better Wife or ,the children, a better Mother.

OUR SECOND DAUGHTER JUSTINE  THE MODEL OF A  MOTHER

Premature Daniel only days old 

Is now brilliant and vital Daniel  ,soon to be 7 yrs.

The latest Mother in the family blood line is our dear daughter Justine, Mother to Emily, Christopher and Daniel. Words nearly fail me ( nearly! I always have a few left!) As parents we could not be prouder of this thoroughly modern Mother. She is an exemplary model of love and devotion in effective action , handling even the strain of tiny Daniel's birth when this tiny literal handful of life seemed to us too fragile , she brought him to the fullness of healthy life with dedication and love, without skipping a beat in the care of Emily and Christopher and husband Paul.And like her paternal Grandmother she is a stalwart strength for her parents.








So Mothers of mine, I salute you and honour you , but most of all, I love you unfailingly.

And a Father....?

To-day, 8th May,2014 is Mothers'Day of course, but it is only a few days away from the 24th Anniversary of the death of my Dad John (Jack) Joseph Dixon, in 1992, just short of his June 85th Birthday. Requiescat in Pace

                                    My Dad Jack Dixon at about 6 or so.
                                      Within 5years at age 11 in 1918 he was working 
                                       in Newland's Iron Foundry near Central Station.

                    

                       Without Fathers there would be no Mothers!

A "HEART FULL OF LOVE"

ELSIE GEORGINA DIXON

On this day, 28th May,1905 my dear Mum Elsie Georgina Dixon (nee Beckman) was born  - 110 years ago. You were the first born child of the young German immigrant Edward Toby Leonhardt Wilhelm Beckmann and his Australian born wife Louisa of English stock.

You grew to be a beautiful young lady, not only in looks but also in heart and spirit - and that is the way you lived your life selflessly caring for those you loved no matter how your " heart full of love" was treated. 

You were taken Home in 1971, and, I reckon Birthdays don't matter in Heaven, but anyway, Happy Birthday Mum. I think of you and pray for the repose of your soul every day.Thank you for all you gave to me in love and lessons taught by wonderful example - I am the product of your gentle loving care.

MOTHERS' DAY AND A FATHER'S DAY

ELSIE GEORGINA DIXON  My dear Mum who died in 1971 Aged 66yrs.

Here I am surrounded by a pictorial  bouquet of Mothers ! (I think "bouquet"is a suitable collective noun for a group of Mothers!) Each one of them I have had the privilege and joy to share my life with, and each one has been a remarkable example of love and kindness in action, even in the gravest difficulty. 

 Obviously the first Mother I knew was my very own dear Mum,who led a life of self- sacrifice , love and loyalty in the most adverse circumstances.Her love was generous and kind, never in the least demanding. She was the ideal example of her Father's philosophy that love and respect go hand in hand : if you have not got love you will show no respect, if you show no respect, you have no love. 

Grandad hit the nail on the head, and my dear Mum had absorbed the lesson and lived it out.


 

GRANDMA DIXON  ( Nee Boyd) Who died in 1948 Aged  66yrs also.

Next I got to know my Grandma Dixon who lived on the next block one street behind us. Hers was also a tough life coping with a difficult husband.She gave herself to helping many human strays in the family orbit. She was very loving in her treatment of me and in early primary school days I used to walk home via Grandma's place, where she would always be seated on the verandah - waiting for me with a One Shilling piece( with its Merino Sheep Head image on it) clutched in her hand which she gave to me for treats. I can still recall its warmth from her hand, to-day.

GRANDMA BECKMANN Who died in 1965 Aged  79 Yrs.

My Mum's Mother, Grandma Beckmann, was a very special lady. She was more self - confident and outgoing within the family group than my Mum or Grandma Dixon and her love was open-hearted and generous, her hugs big and strong.

 She was totally devoted to her husband "Ted"Edward Beckmann and in the family circle she would refer to him as "Daddy"( they had 9 children!). When I knew him his health was failing, and though she would firmly proclaim that "Daddy and I are going to live on into the (Biblical) Millenium ", looking back ,I can see her anxiety that he was slipping away.

 She was a wonderful example of love and affection and that ,constant and reliable.She had had a tough life with never a lot of money around , and when some windfall occurred an adverse development would sweep it away. She suffered a lot for marrying a  "German" especially in World War I as did the older girls, reproached for being "Germans". I recall her unconditional love of me ,and those strong, generous hugs to-day. And, as she lay close to death in Hospital  , I can recall her calling out "Mummy" - my Grandmother, at the end of her life - calling out for Her Mother!
 

                                            My dear wife Robyn

                      Robyn with Marianne, Justine and Matthew at Mount Wilson


Then we come to the full colour Mums. My dear wife Robyn with our three beautiful children, what fun we had that day in the bracing air and rich autumn tones of Mount Wilson! 

What fun we have had over all the years - and how much of that is due to Robyn , loving loyal, devoted wife and Mother. I guess we have had more good times than all the predecessor Mothers and their families combined and yet we have had a ton of tough times, but Robyn has been a constant source of love and loyalty through thick and thin, and even thinner! No - one could ask for a better Wife or ,the children, a better Mother.

OUR SECOND DAUGHTER JUSTINE  THE MODEL OF A  MOTHER

Premature Daniel only days old 

Is now brilliant and vital Daniel  ,soon to be 7 yrs.

The latest Mother in the family blood line is our dear daughter Justine, Mother to Emily, Christopher and Daniel. Words nearly fail me ( nearly! I always have a few left!) As parents we could not be prouder of this thoroughly modern Mother. She is an exemplary model of love and devotion in effective action , handling even the strain of tiny Daniel's birth when this tiny literal handful of life seemed to us too fragile , she brought him to the fullness of healthy life with dedication and love, without skipping a beat in the care of Emily and Christopher and husband Paul.And like her paternal Grandmother she is a stalwart strength for her parents.








So Mothers of mine, I salute you and honour you , but most of all, I love you unfailingly.

And a Father....?

To-day, 8th May,2014 is Mothers'Day of course, but it is only a few days away from the 24th Anniversary of the death of my Dad John (Jack) Joseph Dixon, in 1992, just short of his June 85th Birthday. Requiescat in Pace

                                    My Dad Jack Dixon at about 6 or so.
                                      Within 5years at age 11 in 1918 he was working 
                                       in Newland's Iron Foundry near Central Station.

                    
                       Without Fathers there would be no Mothers!

ALL THE CROWNED HEADS OF EUROPE AND 10,000,000 PEOPLE

ELSIE GEORGINA BECKMANN victim of anti-German prejudice Born 28th May, 1905

All the Crowned Heads of Europe were still in place as they had been for centuries, with only occasional disturbances, Hansom Cabs still clip-clopped about the streets of Sydney, and 10,000,000 people lived and loved who never guessed that the War to End All Wars, the Great War would ,within a few years , propel them violently into eternity,that  Sunday, 28th May , 1905 when my dear Mum was born. That was 107 years ago.

AT AGE  24 YRS

She grew to be a beautiful young lady, saw the tough lives of her parents, the effects of WW I and anti-German prejudice. She married had two sons saw the effects of WW II , experienced the post War recovery, and suffered a great amount of illness exacerbated by bad medical treatment. She went to her reward at age 66, comforted and prepared by the Last Rites of the Catholic Church. 

By returning to the Faith of her distant ancestors, she had rejoined the Vine from which they had been torn by Law and persecution during the Protestant Deformation in England and Germany hundreds of years before. Thank God she did.

You saw only one ( baby Marianne) of your three Grandchildren and none of your seven Great Grandchildren - but not one of us would be here without you and your attraction to Jack Dixon's "kind eyes"!

I love you always dear Mum and pray for the repose of your soul still, for time means nothing in Eternity.