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On being “mate”
By RickMeasham | April 1, 2008
Growing up, my Dad always called me ‘mate’. It’s interesting now that I have a son (I have a son! Wow!) that I find myself doing the same thing: I call Jack ‘mate’ all the time.
On the left you’ll see a picture of Dad messing about with my nephew, Toby. Of course, dad never met Jack and that’s something that continually has a real impact on me and I miss Dad all over again. I’m glad I have these pictures of Dad and Toby because they show me what a great poppa he was and would have been to Jack.
There’s a certain intimacy in being someone’s ‘mate’ that we don’t often acknowledge. Everyone knows the Aussie greeting “G’day Mate”, but this is more. This is when you refer to someone as your mate. I think an Australian social networking site would need to include it as an option: there’d be acquaintances, friends and then right at the top, mates.
One of my favorite ‘mate’ memories of Dad was when were in Lara and I was somewhere between about 16 and 18 years old. Dad was looking for me for some reason and he asked mum if she knew where I was. But rather than ask for me by name he asked “Do you know where mate is?”.
It’s a privilege to be someone’s mate, and really special to share that bond with your dad. I hope I share that with Jack all his life.
For now, I miss my Dad. My mate.
Topics: Family | 4 Comments »
April 4th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Dad’s calling their sons “mate” was one of the first things I’ve noticed when I moved to Australia. I thought it had a nice ring to it. It’s a word I don’t think I’d ever feel comfortable using but who knows. There’s always a first time.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:13 am
D’oh. I meant Dads not Dad’s. ^^;
May 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Hi Rick,
I knew your dad many years ago. He was a good man. I only recently heard that he was no longer with us. I was very sorry to hear that.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Hi Rick,
Thanks too, for your posts. I’m another one of the blokes who knew Jack, and I remember him warmly. Years ago, he and his infectious enthusiasm got me and my family involved in a very interesting part of our life-journey called the Baptists, down in Clifton Springs. I’ve been moved by what you’ve shared with the rest us – a real gift. Should have been working, but kept reading! All the best.