I love to talk. I can talk to anyone about anything. Small talk, or big talk, is my speciality. Sometimes I miss the mark and I look stupid but as long as there's dialogue I consider that a success. George White, a good friend from a previous life said to me once, "What I like about you, Geraldine, is you always get the wrong end of the stick."
My husband, two older sons and I were at a rugby function in Newcastle, Australia just before a Lions game in 2013. Mingling in the crowd, I recognised Eric Rush, an ex-All Black player. The man, who invited us to the function, offered to introduce us. Eric was very friendly but my sons, aged 19 and 16, clammed up in the great man's presence. I told Eric I recognised him from when he played for New Zealand in the Hong Kong Sevens. Eric noted my accent and told us he was half Irish: his dad was from Belfast. My husband said, "So you could have played for Ireland then?" Eric seemed taken aback by the idea and said, "Well I don't know about Ireland, they seem hot and cold to me." I immediately jumped in and said, "Oh no, we've been having great weather this summer." My two sons groaned aloud and said, "That's not what he means, Mum!" Eric turned to the boys and asked if they played rugby. Their tongues now unlocked, they eagerly filled him in on their rugby playing credentials.
It turned out that Eric was the guest speaker and when he got up to speak, he welcomed 'the family from Ireland' and told the crowd of his Irish roots. Back in the 60's Eric's father took the 10 pound boat from England to Australia but when the boat stopped in Auckland he got off and headed for the pub. Whenever Eric complained to his father about his drinking, his father would reply, "Shut up, son, if it weren't for my drinking you would be playing for Australia."
It was a brilliant night for us. Grabbing the stick, at both ends, puts you in the path of interesting people and great memories.
My husband, two older sons and I were at a rugby function in Newcastle, Australia just before a Lions game in 2013. Mingling in the crowd, I recognised Eric Rush, an ex-All Black player. The man, who invited us to the function, offered to introduce us. Eric was very friendly but my sons, aged 19 and 16, clammed up in the great man's presence. I told Eric I recognised him from when he played for New Zealand in the Hong Kong Sevens. Eric noted my accent and told us he was half Irish: his dad was from Belfast. My husband said, "So you could have played for Ireland then?" Eric seemed taken aback by the idea and said, "Well I don't know about Ireland, they seem hot and cold to me." I immediately jumped in and said, "Oh no, we've been having great weather this summer." My two sons groaned aloud and said, "That's not what he means, Mum!" Eric turned to the boys and asked if they played rugby. Their tongues now unlocked, they eagerly filled him in on their rugby playing credentials.
It turned out that Eric was the guest speaker and when he got up to speak, he welcomed 'the family from Ireland' and told the crowd of his Irish roots. Back in the 60's Eric's father took the 10 pound boat from England to Australia but when the boat stopped in Auckland he got off and headed for the pub. Whenever Eric complained to his father about his drinking, his father would reply, "Shut up, son, if it weren't for my drinking you would be playing for Australia."
It was a brilliant night for us. Grabbing the stick, at both ends, puts you in the path of interesting people and great memories.
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