I need to say it now as I fear I may not have said it enough already, and I fear I may never say it enough in the future:

To A, B, C and D (i.e. Andrew, Budge, Cam and Denis) and to your partners George(ous), Callie and Robin,

Thank you for letting me stay over when I need to, but more than that, thank you for being around. In decades to come when I look back at the first few years of this century and wondered how I ever made it through, I hope I’m reminded that my strength came from you. In lonely times I am met with the surprise that at least one of you was thinking of me. In stressful times I find your couches and your conversations warm and soothing. In happy times I know exactly who I can call to share the happiness.

This semester I’ve been coming down to Melbourne quite often and have depended on you. Next semester I get to stay home a little more, have more time with my children, have less pressure by travel and work. And I will miss seeing you as much as I do. So I must say I feel blessed. Having the seven of you around makes me feel rich.