Lead the way: James Wright’s reunion story
My name is James Wright. For a long time I have been searching for my father, Gordon Charles Wright’s, family and resting place.
There were so many questions and answers that I was looking for, as the years passed on, I never stop wondering where he was or what happed to him. In 2019 I asked Link-Up (Qld) for help to search for my parents.
In 2020 the research was delivered to me and my wife Julianna.
The research came back that my Fathers place of burial was at the New General Cemetery, Inverell.
Leading up to the day of the reunion, it had been raining for over a week, so, traveling by car was time to reflect. At that point there was a lot of emotions, a lot of nerves, but with the support of my wife Julianna and the Link-Up (Qld) staff Sloane Stallan and Christine Kanofski, we headed off by car to Inverell NSW.
First stop was at Wallangarra at the Queensland and New South Wales border where I had a chance to stretch my legs and get photos. By then I was getting a little more nervous knowing Inverell wasn’t that far away.
On arriving there was a break in the weather, the afternoon was nice and sunny. After checking in to the motel, it was short car ride to the New General Cemetery. The moment had arrived to be reunited with my father Gordon Charles Wright. As I laid out the ornaments and flowers that I had brought from my home to lay on my father’s grave, I became a bit emotional. The night before I had written a letter to my father to say goodbye.
“Well Dad I finally got here to talk to you about my life which I’m very happy with, also I have a loving wife and we are very happy together and I have a loving stepdaughter and her children. Love from your son Jimmy, no matter what you have done in your past you are my father always and I love you from your son Jimmy and daughter-in-law Julie.
P.S. Dad by the way you have a grand daughter named Elizabeth and the family is growing, you have a great grandson.”
With that the tears started to flow; I know I have left a part of me with him. I would like to thank Link-Up (Qld) Caseworkers, Counsellors, Researchers, and the CEO for the great support I have received from my first inquiry, to becoming a client, and finally to the reunion event of visiting my father’s grave.
James Wright
Published April 2020.