Eulogy To Peter's Father

Eulogy to Peter’s Father (Tommy)

1949 it was. Four years after the conclusion of World War II, my family and I decided to take the offer that gave us the opportunity to immigrate here to Australia. The Australian Government had issued a public address in Germany and many of our neighbouring countries, inviting survivors of the war to Australia.

Many of us viewed Australia as a refuge; a haven that promised freedom, safety, protection and a new start in life. Whilst many, in their most vulnerable state agreed to this migration hastily, my parents were among the few who hesitated, especially my father. Even though my father reasonably came to a conclusion that there was little future for us in Germany, he could not bear the thought of leaving

Surrounded by army weapons and machinery, it is ironic that the war had nearly killed him. He attended school with his younger brother and told me stories about how Uncle Jacob snitches to their father on his wagging moments. Usually followed by a fight and wrestle, my father had admitted that he would let his brother win. Truth or lie, I believe my father’s intention is simple: to keep the family calm and happy. Despite the absence of outstanding achievements during his time at school, my father had never underestimated the importance of having education. His values and beliefs in education influenced both my mother and I greatly. As a matter of fact, my father’s emphasis on education played a major role in the reason why I was fortunate enough to be able to attend St Patrick’s College. I knew that if I worked my very hardest to make the most out of it, it would make both my parents proud since they just wanted what’s best for me. My father was my hero, he had sacrificed his physical and mental health in working long hours every day, to invest in my education.

Most of you who knew my father or have spoken to him in the past understood that he would always put the lives of other people around him first before his own. As long as my mother and I were safe and supplied with adequate necessities that meet our daily needs, he would sleep soundly every night. My father is the most hardworking, caring and gentle human being