Life #20: Social Destiny
Last Saturday, we shared in the excitement and celebration of Sam’s well-orchestrated surprise proposal to Abby, as we joined their romantic weekend away in the Dandenong ranges. Heartfelt congratulations to the wonderful couple.
What a privilege to share, in this wonderful surprise
For there’s no stronger bond, than these family ties
Sam’s secret proposal
For Abby’s betrothal
Sheer joy for you both, is written in your eyes
What an honour for us all, to be here together
Now at such an occasion, I did wonder whether
It’s time to reflect
How they came to connect
For their lives will now, be tethered forever
We loved our little Abby, from the very first day
Born on April 24th, Richmond, London, UK
Our lives were a whirl
With our new baby girl
Though how to be parents, we would learn on the way
From the moment she was born, when she first looked at me
I felt we related, like a pod and two peas
We said Abigail Jayne
Will be your given names
As I promised to be, the best Dad I could be
I vividly remember, when we took Abby home
The drive through Richmond Park, where deer and squirrels roam
I recall we said wow
Well what do we do now
In our small English cottage, with our precious new clone
So the three of us fell, in love with each other
Our Abby, Kiwi dad, and proud English mother
On walks to London pubs
We took our Bubba-Jubs
Sleeping under the table, beneath her special cover
But only a few months, of parenthood had passed
When a proposition, at my workplace was asked
Would I like to change jobs
Move the family to Oz
A sliding door decision, all our destinies were cast
So we flew in with Abby, from England one night
Taxied into the city, gazing out at Melbourne lights
My mind full of wonder
For our family down under
Would our adopted country, treat us alright
For we just had each other, we knew nearly no one
We bought a house in Kew, we enjoyed the warm sun
We would venture off track
With Abby on my back
Soon three kids under six, had us under the thumb
I adore all my children, exactly the same
Magnificent, yet different, in all but last name
They’re each individual
With love unconditional
They have been incredible, wherever they’ve aimed
From Davis Street Kinder, to Deepdene Primary School
Abby was a scholar, she was nobody’s fool
Ruyton to MLC
Two universities
Whatever Abby did, she made it look cool
A dancer, an artist, a writer, a musician
She won literary prizes, this girl had ambition
And when she stopped growing
Won a cox prize in rowing
Wherever she ventured, it came to fruition
We ran a half marathon, and me she easily beat
She once was a vegan; said we shouldn’t eat meat
She wrote books as a child
Imagination so wild
When she got her first phone, she said life’s now complete
So this is a story, from where it all began
To a devoted midwife, giving it all she can
Then to meeting Sam Hall
Soon in love they would fall
A perfect gentleman, but a staunch Richmond fan!
They made home in Balaclava, together beseeched
Runs along the bay, they love it by the beach
They know every café
Restaurant or takeaway
Their gym and favourite pubs, are easily in reach
Sam rang me for permission, to ask Abby the question
For her hand in marriage, but it couldn’t yet be mentioned
For a secret it would stay
Until this weekend away
Abs had no idea, how her dream day was destined
That this moment would come, it was clear from the start
Your passion for life, is what sets you apart
This is your destiny
You were both meant to be
Congratulations to you both … from all of our hearts
Kevin Holmes • 25th October 2025
