A Moment To Cherish

On Saturday I lost the man who raised me, a father who was also a friend. A man who dedicated his life to his family and to his community. A man who warmed the hearts of those he met. A man who embraced life. A man who shall always be remembered. A man whose life we will celebrate. To us he was baba, dad and daddy, to his grand-children he was papou, to his great-grand-children he was papouli, to his friends he was file (friend) and Kirie Yiannis ❤

This moment is one that I will cherish forever; my father reaching for my hand the day before he passed away.

He is now reunited with my beautiful mother ❤

Memory Eternal John Desyllas
1927 to 2017

For those who have my book Greek Life, the photo of my dashing father sitting on a bench can be found on page 22. This photograph was taken at Elder Park in Adelaide, the day after he arrived in Australia; a man filled with hopes and dreams. Circa early1956.

Many of my readers have reached out to me sending their condolences, and letting me know that they have re-read the chapter on the Story of Family and New Beginnings, providing a renewed inspiration from my parents incredible story.

My heart has a place that belonged to my father, and his memory shall always be eternal. I take comfort in the meaningful and fun relationship we enjoyed, for his guidance, sense of humour, lessons shared, and how he exemplified a dignified life through actions that represented his core values. My life is richer for having a father like mine, my children’s lives are richer for having a grandfather who was active in their lives. He will live on forever in our hearts and in our memories.

Eugenia xx