Dad was an avid stamp and coin collector. Back in 1991, just after the Communist rule ended in the Czech Republic, he was excited to go home for the first time in 42 years. Before escaping Czechoslovakia in 1949, he gave one of his friends his prized stamp collection and told him to look after it for him, which he did, and Dad brought it home with him on that trip. Those stamps are with his grandson Jack in Adelaide.
On this trip, he travelled all over the Czech countryside with old friends and had a good visit with his Mum, who was not well. He asked his Mum if she wanted anything and she told him – a colour TV – Dad bought her the biggest one he could find. Sadly, one week after Dad returned home, she passed from a blood disease.
I have met my gentle grandma Marie, she visited Australia a few times over the years, I remember those times with a heart full of joy. She couldn’t speak English, but her eyes shone with love for our family. You could feel it deep in your heart.
I remember thinking of grandma with a sense of profound admiration. She had barely seen her son for the last 42 years, she hung on until he came home to visit and then, I believe, thought to herself, I’ve seen my son, that’s enough and passed quietly. That’s kismet – meant to be.
My sister, Ang and I also had mini stamp albums, Dad was always giving us stamps off letters from the Czech Republic or Greece, plus he would buy us stamps. I don’t know where those stamp albums are today, I wish I’d taken more care of mine.
Along with the stamps, coins were a big thing for Dad. He collected as many unusual coins that he could. In later years, as money was tight and he was trying to pay tuition on three private school fees and bills were mounting up, he made the monumental decision to sell his stamp and coin collection. It was a selfless act that must have broken his heart.
After that, he collected one dollar coins and fifty cent pieces. He was always looking for the ones that were different, such as commemorative coins.
Late last year while holidaying with my family on Hamilton Island, in the Whitsundays, I was walking through a bar and was shocked to see a 50 cent piece on the floor. We’ve become a cashless society since Covid and as I picked up the coin, I looked over my shoulder, I’m certain my dad was there. It was a sign.
A few months ago, whilst going through a stressful time, I hopped in my car and noticed something wedged at the back of the passenger seat. I pried it out. I was gobsmacked to find a commemorative fifty cent piece. I mean, the only person that sits in the passenger seat is me, when Simon drives my car and I don’t carry cash!
Same day, I went into my son Jackson’s bedroom, on top of his desk sat two fifty cent coins – no other money – just the two coins.
I felt calm, I knew Dad was telling me he was around and that I was on the right track. I’ve always felt his support, in life and in death. Love you Dad.
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