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In 1978 I met a young woman in Erlangen, FRG. Matty(Matilda) was Inter-railing around Europe and for whatever reason took pity on a guy "dressed like a pickle" that she bumped into while he was moping around(my brand new Bride was still stateside) the German countryside. She hailed from Hobart and had all the impetuous verve you'd expect from someone from Oz, with a little something extra! We met for kaffee and Bienenstich 4 times over a week and began a friendship that was to endure for 35 years.
We kept in touch, writing often, trading video tapes, with the occasional phone call to announce births and other highlights.She and her husband visited with me and my family in the states 3 times during the 5 circumnavigations they undertook in the 38' aluminum hulled cutter they built in their backyard. The fam and I dared the arduous flight to the land down under the land down under twice.
Her pride in her homeland and it's people was immense. She called me(never mind the cost or the time)when Bertrand and Australia II beat Dennis and Liberty, quite inebriated and performed one of the funniest renditions of "Waltzing Matilda" I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. She also loved the music of Judith Durham/The Seekers and would wax rhapsodic on how The Seekers were bigger than the 'Stones in 1965.
Matty had MS, it never slowed her down, Lon, her husband, told me she was planning on refinishing all the brightwork on their boat just last week. I can see her, wearing her giant hat that could shade half of Texas, brush in one hand and a can of Feast Watson in the other, humming while she worked.....
So pop open a Cascade and sing along, I'm sure she'll hear.
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZOlPCmFG2pc[/youtube]

My prayers and deepest condolences.

I met my best friend in 1974. She and I were not destined to be a couple--though we tried--but almost 40 years later we talk weekly and email more often.

She suffers from aggressive arteriosclerosis, had a quadruple bypass in 2000, and has had 12 subsequent stents.

She is the most gentle, understanding human being I have ever known.

I know how you feel now that Matty has gone home...

Wonderful friends are to be greatly treasured while with us and greatly remembered when they are gone. Our greatest hopes is that when a friend departs we can treasure a great friendship with no regrets. Our prayers are with you and all of Matty's other friends and family.