21st December 2022 was the day Jill and I were supposed to get what would have been our 23rd Santa photo and our first one in person in two years due to covid. We only had a very small window to get it done this year and we were trying to figure out whether I would fly to Brisbane or Jill would fly to Mackay. Jill even suggested that if we couldn’t get it done before Xmas that I could fly down for New Year’s and she would get her Dad to dress up as Santa because, funnily enough, her Dad has a Santa costume. Ultimately, Jill booked a quick overnight trip to Mackay where we had our session booked in for 6:30pm tonight and I was going to shout her dinner afterwards and we would catch-up.
This was not how it was meant to be, but this photo was taken at CQU’s 1920’s Community Ball we attended together in 2016. We had such a fun night that night and got some really lovely photos. This is one of my favourites and seems appropriate. My colleague and friend Tanya Peady organised this very thoughtful gift.
With the exception of Jill’s family, I don’t think I could ever do a Santa photo with anyone else, that spot will always remain reserved for Jill.
To my dear friend Jill, being able to call you my best friend these past 27 years has been the privilege of my life. Every day has been hard without you since you were so unfairly taken from this world, but I know Jill you are just on your next big adventure. Wherever that is, if you see any Santa’s around, make sure you save us a reservation for when we meet again someday. Love you mate xxx
Postscript: I plan to share more specific memories around our Santa photos close to Xmas this year.
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