(prompt: 'sudden' 20/3/2020) (a picfest)

Thursday, 17th March, 1910 was an Important Day... a most auspicious day all around the world. It was St. Patrick's Day - not only significant for the wearing of the Green involving a celebration or two, and a parade or three, but also for supping the famous Green Beer served in countless bars.

In other corners of the world -

The average U.S. workingman was earning less than $15 per week, working from 54 to 60 hours,

Harry Houdini, the American magician and escapologist was touring Australia - and making the first powered flight over Australia in his Voisin biplane.

Alfred Deakin was the Prime Minister of Australia

This year of 1910 saw the demise of famous identities -

King Edward VII,

nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale,

writers Mark Twain, O. Henry and Tolstoy, and

humanitarian (and first Nobel Peace Prize winner) Jean Henri Dunant.

BUT...arguably the most important happening on this very day of 1910 ...was the birth of

Walter James Graham

to proud parents Arthur James and Alice Mary at Hindmarsh, South Australia. There was nothing really sudden about this day to them, being their fourth son, and having anticipated the event for months. In those days they knew only they were having a baby... sex unknown. And baby turned out to be another son to carry on the proud butchering tradition of several generations. 'Twas a fine thing indeed... to be sure, to be sure.

In 1912 my Dad looked like this - and how lucky was I to find the perfect frame to suit this adorable photo?

  It's 1915 ...and Wally Graham is ready to start school (he's the one standing on the left). No wordsmith, but his handwriting and mathematical skills were outstanding.

  Given NO choice ...of Butcher, Baker or Candlestickmaker - my Dad became a Butcher. Given the choice, I believe he would have been a cabinet or furniture maker. He loved woodwork, and earlier in his life, produced several beautiful pieces. But these were the years when the expectation was for a son to follow in his father's footsteps, and put his own dreams aside.

In 1926 - on the beach ...two lads were loitering. Not bathing this day, just well-dressed for a seaside visit.

1931...and a child-groom ...at 21 years old! From their first meeting (aged 17 and 15) Dad and Mum began a love story that lasted their 41 year marriage - for him, ending only  with his death, and for my Mum, only with hers... 27 years later!

1933 - and it's Fatherhood ...with two beautiful sons and the Baby Austin 7...Dad's first and most treasured car

1941 - and a proud Father again ...of third son, Dean Walter... who tragically died before his second birthday - the reason I was created! Fate certainly is strange.

1945 was a very good year for babies ...well, for me, anyway! Look at my lovely family.

1950...and a Few Good Men Again! Dad and my brothers (Barry, with the 'Elvis' haircut, and Bob, the eldest) (look like Mafia mobsters!)

1955..and the Delightful Daughters ...who were modest little ladies!

I don't have a photo of the Father of this bride - who is my sister Jenny, but my Dad's pride was immense, and his happiness bitter-sweet - as he 'gave away' his first daughter. And I'm the flowergirl/mini bridesmaid.

1965, and I DO have a photo of THIS bride AND the Father of the Bride! (at the Church ...and nearly time to give his last child away). My Dad had the time of his life - giving me the Day of My Life.

Author's Note:  Hope you enjoyed the picfest - I loved making it as a special tribute to my dearest Dad. When the prompt came yesterday on my Mum's birthday, the temptation was large to make it her story - but there's still Mother's Day to come. Let's see what the prompt is that week.

Fearfully over the word count - trying really hard to feel guilty or sorry.

Nope. Can't.