that's life! Issue 18, 2022

I was used to being called Carrot-top Our item in Living Well on page 62 that states only 1-2 per cent of the world’s population are redheads, blew my mind a bit. It makes sense, of course, because my colouring is not at all common in Asian, African or Latin countries. But it’s not something I’d ever thought about. Which is why, when I visited China many years ago, it took me a while to realise why some people wanted to take my photo, either on my own, with them or even, as happened once, with their gorgeous baby. I’d never felt like such a celebrity! Growing up red-headed in Australia was not a big deal, although I was used to being called Bluey and Carrot-top. Sometimes I’d get Ginge. But…

Our grandchildren Luca, four, and Bella, eight, love the fish their dad caught. Barb and John Whitmee, Goondiwindi, Qld I am so thrilled to have won! Thank you! Sharyn Long, Tweed Heads South, NSW With Cadbury celebrating 100 years, I gave my family chocolate bars commemorating the decade in which they were born. From left are my son Justin, 29, my son Matthew’s partner Emily, 28, Matthew, 30, me, 62, my husband Garry, 64, and my dad Domenico, 91. Cathy Burton, Mareeba, Qld Lachy, six, and Bella, almost 15, are the very best of friends. Lara Longo, Pooraka, SA My husband David and I visited Dorrigo, NSW, and went on the best five kilometre walk. We saw waterfalls and even snakes! Kerri Anderson, Scone, NSW Sometimes it’s nice to simply sit and appreciate the view…

Grandma, can you help me with my homework?’ my grandson, Ben, then 11, called out from the living room. I’d lived with my daughter Michelle, 48, her husband, Jay, 47, and their three kids for 10 years. Now, it was March 2021, and we were all in lockdown, again! Ben and his twin, Alysha, and their sister Maddie, 14, were home, learning online. Before restrictions, I’d watch my grandchildren’s sports games, school plays and attend every assembly. I never missed an event! Now we were stuck indoors, and Ben had hooked me into his obsession with video games – particularly Grand Theft Auto, or GTA. ‘Let’s play GTA!’ he said one evening, ushering me into his room. ‘You don’t have to convince me,’ I said, already clutching the joystick. ‘You’re crashing into cars and people!’ laughed Ben. I never…

Emma Brown was living the dream. In 2017, the airport worker couldn’t believe her luck when she won $9.6 million in the lottery – more money than she could’ve ever imagined having. Celebrating the win, Emma splashed out on a Mercedes and a $1.2 million home for her and her long-term boyfriend, Stephen Gibbs. She also bought several investment properties and started making plans for her and Stephen to travel the world together. After hitting the jackpot, Emma also generously donated to local causes. But while most men would be thrilled to see their partner win such big bucks, Stephen became possessive of Emma. Threatened by her financial independence, the flooring worker made constant excuses not to travel, stopping Emma from living out her dream. As the months went on, it caused fights between the once happy…

Kicking off my shoes after a long day at school, I’d get excited at the smell of roast potatoes coming from the kitchen. ‘Mmm, that smells great!’ I’d sing out to my mum, Karen, then 43, cooking up a storm. As we sat around the table as a family eating dinner, Mum and my dad Ossie, 46, would share stories of how they met – Dad moving to Newcastle, NSW, to be with Mum, where she lived at the time. ‘Very cute,’ said my sister Tas, then 15, giggling. In the school holidays, Tas and I joined Mum in at-home work-outs in the lounge room. ‘Good work, girls!’ said Mum. Wow, Mum is so fit! I thought, trying to keep up. Mum would somehow find time to work out between taking care of us, as well as her…

Jo Hyde from NZ, nominated by Nikita Hyde Mum is the most loving and giving person I know. She volunteers for Make A Wish and has been involved in fundraising for other organisations. After my dad died nine years ago in a motorcycle accident, and she later lost her parents, Mum kept being there for us and others. When my two babies had intensive care stays, she was my absolute rock. We’re so lucky to have her. Raelene Nandan from Vic, nominated by Courtney Nandan My mum has been my carer for 25 years, but she’s forever been my hero. She’s always by my side, putting her life on hold to support me. Driving me to appointments, she monitors me with endless energy despite her own tiring days. There’s no safer place than…