To my Grandpa,

Dear Grandpa,

I have been thinking about you lot lately and hoping you are well. I wish you could be here to see me. I have met the girl of my dreams and we are getting married in the summer! In fact she has been the girl in my dreams since I was 12. You probably met her many summers ago out at Naramata when we were just kids. I will be wearing your wedding band and that fills with me such joy but also sorrow that you can’t be there with me physically as I go through another milestone. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the many lessons you taught me about dreaming, living and being a gentleman.

It was your gentle but determined ways that taught me to fight for what I believe in and to stand up for what is right. You moved back to Canada because you and Grandma wouldn’t stand for the social injustice that was occurring in Tulsa at the time. You continued to fight for the environment all the days of your life. In fact, I am now in a position of changing careers from teaching one of your passions and life works to sustainable community development, which is another one of your passions. Living in respect for the world around us.

You were truly a gentleman with Grandma all the days I knew you. Even as you grew weaker you still desired to walk on the curbside of the street with Grandma carrying on a tradition from many years ago. I have adapted this tradition with my own love as a memory of you.

You took the time to remember special moments and celebrate the joys in life. I will always remember, the way you wistfully teared up at family gathers when all of us gathered around. You were so proud of your family and who we were.

You taught me the importance of always having time for tea with whoever dropped in. I am sorry that I didn’t stop in more often when I was at university, you offered often and I should have accepted more. At the time, I didn’t realize how important spending time with you was. I had papers to write and things to do. But those afternoons having tea and Grandma’s cookies with you were memories I will cherish forever.

I always have a song to sing, whether in my head or loud and aloud. Your love for music will never be forgotten, and you song modifications to fit the occasion is another legacy you passed on. You always wanted me to play music for you even if it was just Heart and Soul. Don’t worry Grandpa, I will take it up again to play your songs for your great grandchildren.

Thank you for being the remarkable person you were and the many lessons that you taught me. I know you are with me wherever I am.

I love you now, I love you always,

Your Grandson

To My Brother…

You always hear stories about how siblings don’t get along for reasons such as being just too different, or that they always fought as kids and never grew out of it. I am incredibly grateful then that I am blessed to have such a strong bond with my older brother.

We are the kind of siblings that have always been friends. Though our interests may be vastly different in certain areas- me a musician, gamer, social and expressive; him an athlete, sports lover, quieter and more reserved- we have always been able to find common ground. Sure we annoyed each other as kids and still do sometimes, but we rarely had real fights, and if we did it was a verbal sparring much, never truly physical. Maybe we just had good parents.

It is the kind of friendship that is easy (most of the time). There is something to be said about the combination of the friend bond and family bond. There is no question that he has and always will be supportive of me in any endeavour. Though I’m not the kind of person that gets into much trouble, I know that if I do he’ll ‘have my back’. We enjoy our time together immensely, always able to laugh but also talk about the heavier things in life if need be.

So thank you to my brother, who has always been supportive, is always there for me, and is always willing to at the very least fake interest in whatever my passion of the week us. Plus, on top of all that, he named me after my first few days of life being nameless. Not bad for an older brother.

Thank you for calling to make sure I was ok.

My acknowledgements…

I have recently submitted my thesis (yay!) and it seemed very appropriate to post the acknowledgments section here. So, as seen in Schoenberg (2011):

“Completing this thesis is a major accomplishment for myself, but I never could have done it alone. A significant group of people have helped me along the way and, without their support, I doubt I would have persevered through the trying process that is a thesis.

There are two primary people/groups that require acknowledgement for the completion of my research project. Firstly, a sincere thank you belongs to my supervisor, Professor David Shilbury. From the first time I stepped into your office as a random Canadian backpacker, you have maintained a clear and focused approach. Your insightful questions at all stages were deliberate, concise and right on. I knew you were always available for a short-notice meeting and I appreciate the incredible promptness of your feedback. Because of your supervision and your ability to make me find the path rather than simply walk it, I feel far more prepared as an independent researcher. Secondly, this research could not have been completed without the help of the research subjects and so I extend a gracious thank you to my three case organisations. I thank each of the nine interviewees for their candid responses and their willingness to take an hour out of their day to, hopefully, advance the governance of sport.

To my associate supervisor Dr Lesley Ferkins, thank you for always having an open door, particularly through these last few months, and helping me stay concentrated on theory. Your translating skills, your ability to keep asking me ‘what does it mean’, and your very helpful insight has meant so much on a personal and academic level.

There are two other people at Deakin who deserve a giant kudos. Katie and Adam, you two, in particular, made my Deakin time memorable and amazing. Katie, my Australian sister, I thank you for constantly supporting me and always being around for a chat when I need it. Adam, your friendship and mentorship the whole way through my candidature is and was extremely valued.

Additionally, all my Deakin HDR and sport management peers have earned a substantial thank you. Sarah, Paul, Pamm, Angela, Georgina, Mitul, Ahmed, Yolande, Sajad, Jing, Steve, Wayne, and Jon you must be thanked for your patience with my eccentric ways, including using the office as a bike storage location, my constant eating, and my general ability to be distracting. Thanks for making the Master’s experience more than just an academic one and helping me enjoy my time at Deakin.

Outside of the HDR group and the sport management faculty, I would like to extend a thank you to Alyce, Hannah, Tess, and Anette for your amazing friendships. Thank you to all the amazing professional staff at Deakin who always seemed to know the answers before I even asked the questions.

Of course, it is not only the people at Deakin who have played a role in supporting me. I have developed a great network of people throughout the greater academic community, including the SMAANZ membership, and especially Associate Professor David Legg whose mentorship and cheerleading has been unwavering from the very first step.

Those who have moved across the world on their own know how difficult that adjustment can be. Thank you to all of you who have taken me on a road trip, hosted me at Christmas, and made me feel welcome in this country. A special thanks to my current housemates, John and Justine for creating such a positive place to call home.

In addition to the support network I’ve developed here, I know I am never far from my original support network. My incredible group of friends including Andrew, Mike, Lawrence, Blake, Sunny, Simon, Chris, Donovan and many, many more than can be named have always been there when I’ve needed a chat. My grandparents, your wisdom always helped put things in perspective and your keenness to hear every detail of my life reminded me how fortunate I am.

Finally, thanks to my parents, Heather and Gregor, and my sister, Katie. Your love and inspiration cannot be overstated. Thank you so much for understanding my need to take on this challenge and know that I couldn’t have done it without you.”

To an amazing person,

Dear ***,

It’s hard to overstate how much I’ve appreciated your mentorship and friendship over these two years and especially the last six months. You have inspired me through your intellect, you’ve challenged me to think, and you’ve helped me to remember to celebrate all the little steps. I’m amazed at how you seem to understand me, what I need and what I struggle with. You made it possible for me to ask for help, which is not something I do easily. I’m really excited to continue working together as I move into the joyfulness of PhD land.

Have an amazing trip. I know you’ll take full advantage of the joys of your new home. What you’ll do for the next 10 months, I’m not sure but I’m sure you will find a way to make it an incredible experience.

Thank you so very much for everything you’ve done for me. I hope my country treats you well and know that if you every need anything from me, please, don’t be like me, just ask.

With love and blessings,

***

To an inspirational person…

You take advantage of all that comes your way – be it opportunities to learn, add to your CV, meet new people, try something different. Without blinking an eye your there, you’re up for it. Perhaps sometimes you take on too much but that’s better than letting it pass you by.

Watching the way your live your life has inspired me and for that I’m thankful to you.

There was a day a few months ago I was quite conscious of all the opportunities around me that I didn’t take – and so, with you in mind, I stood up and took some of them. Such a small step, but that inspiration has changed me and lead to amazing experiences.

Just now I received an email about a free course that sounded interesting, I was going to ‘wait and see’ but now I’m going to go and register – no need for excuses, this is an opportunity and I should take it!

Thank you for inspiring me in this way, to make the most of my life and opportunities I come across.

To the supporters of Movember…

Thank you to everyone who supported my and others’ Movemeber campaign. I am pleased to announce I was able to raise over $750 to help fight prostate cancer and depression. While many others raised much more, I am very happy with the total I raised.

I appreciate all the the people who donated to my campaign, who were kind enough to say “it’s not that bad” (I have photos, it was that bad), to those who donated to others’ campaign and to all the MoBros out there who took the cause seriously and endeavoured to raise money.

As there is a history of prostate cancer in my family, this cause does touch a little bit closer to home than some of the other, also very worthwhile, causes.

Thank you.

To my Mom…

Hey Mom,

Just wanted to drop you a quick line and wish you luck on your adventures to Ottawa. Last night while I was trying to get to sleep I kept thinking about all the work you have done. This week in the land of facebook people are calling it National/ International Mother’s week. They are putting statuses up about pride for their mothers. I jotted a few things down before I was able to sleep. Here you go:

One Voice Speaks Out

Since she began her work some people have said,
“It’s pointless, give up, you work will get you nowhere, why bother”?
But she continued.

Others have believed that no one will listen, or it is no use as there will always be another conflict.
But she stood strong.

While weapons continue to grow and technology makes destruction more efficient.
She continued to speak out.

Armed with an artillery of knowledge, compassion and determination, she continued.
Even when disaster and anger stood in her way, she let her flame burn brightly.
She is a torch-bearer for the journey to peace and just ways.
Willing to stand up and create change, she continues.

Slowly people have begun to listen.
The ways of armed conflict are starting to be held under question.
There must be other ways to resolution.
There must be ways to find hope.

Her voice joins with the others to speak up and speak out.
To a world of possibility.
To a world of change.

Despite doors being closed and phones calls not returned.
She continues to journey on, and hold her torch held high.

While other didn’t understand, didn’t get the point.
She did. And she continues on.
With time others will listen, to understand there is another way.

That violence, and death are neither practical nor justified means of solving conflict.
That our greatest strength could and should be discourse and compassion.
That we are one nation, and one world.

Her great great great grandchildren will know that someone,
Who didn’t even know them loved them so much to care,
And stand up to create a world of change for them.
That someone believed they were worth fighting a lifetime for,
So they may have a chance at a peaceful and brighter future.

Some people have stood by and simply watched.
Each step she takes for a better world makes me feel deeply proud.

Proud that someone listened,
Proud that someone spoke out.
Proud that someone didn’t sit by idly while the world changed right before their eyes,
Realizing only when it was too late that someone should have done something.
She did do something. She does do something.

As her journey continues, may others have their flames ignited so they may also burn brightly.
May others take the time to listen, to understand, and to realize there is another way.
She is a torch-bearer for a world of peaceful resolution, compassion and care.

The greatest pride and gratitude I have for this remarkable person is to call her My Mom.

Know that work you do is incredible, important and deeply valued. Thank you for continuing to make the world a better place. May the participants of the conference be blessed with open hearts, open minds and the willingness to hear that change is possible.

Love Always,

Your Son

To my mum…

Mum,

While words cannot adequately express the countless thank-you’s that you deserve and hence would do you justice, I shall attempt to capture the essence of why I will be forever grateful that you are my mother.

I feel blessed in the knowledge that no matter what situation I face in life, what obstacle I may need to overcome, there is always somebody who will be there. Somebody who is either standing beside me, providing a shoulder to lean on, a willing ear to listen to the latest turmoils, or somebody who is able to provide advice and words of wisdom.

Admittedly, I may not always show my appreciation for all the acts of kindness and opportunities you have provided, especially when tired and hungry (a common trait perhaps?!). Nevertheless, your thoughtfulness and consideration does not go unnoticed. I do appreciate how you are able to read my moods and know when I am too tired to answer questions about my day; I do appreciate your concern for my welfare and the fact that you still require details of where I will be and when; I do appreciate how you can immediately tell if my leg is sore and whip out the wheelchair; I do appreciate how you still pester me to eat more carbs; I do appreciate the amazing array of foods you provide and the fact we both adore having  a full fridge;I do appreciate how I will always be your little girl and hence will always be subject to fluffing of the hair.

Mum, you are my rock. You are my inner strength. Your belief in me to achieve whatever I set out to achieve, combined with all the various forms of support (emotionally, financially, spiritually, ecumenically, grammatically..) has been nothing short of amazing. Thank-you. A million times over.

 With all the love that I posses,

Your daughter.

To the guy living downstairs…

You rock! Thanks for taking the initiative and preparing all the excess cardboard, boxes, bags of clothes, mattresses and whatever else that had been left there by previous tenants for the hard rubbish day. The car park looks a lot better and cleaner now and we can all do a better job of managing our the premises. You certainly went above and beyond what would have been expected of anyone and certainly a tenant. It was one of those things we’d all kept meaning to do, but never got around to. Your hard work is much appreciated.

Thanks,

The people upstairs