#alwaysthere

Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by you, shape you, and lift you when you feel like falling. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a family that has done just that. Through the best moments and the hardest times, they’ve been my foundation, my teachers, and my inspiration.

But family isn’t always defined by genetics. Sometimes, it’s the people we meet along the way who become just as important. My journey has been filled with incredible people who have helped me through life’s challenges—some by birth, and others by choice.

If I had to name one person who sparked my passion for music, it would be my Uncle Bern. He didn’t just introduce me to great music—he opened up a whole world for me, a world where emotions could be expressed through melody and lyrics, where pain and joy could be translated into something powerful. He got me my first guitar, a gift that turned out to be much more than just an instrument. That guitar became my voice when words failed me, my escape when life felt overwhelming, and my way of expressing things I couldn’t say out loud. But it wasn’t just the music itself—Uncle Bern taught me the value of passion, of following what moves you, of using creativity to process life’s experiences. Beyond music, he’s always been a role model—someone who lives with integrity, kindness, and an undeniable love for the things that make life special. He’s more than just my uncle; he’s been a mentor, a friend, and a lifelong inspiration.

Losing my mum was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. No words can truly capture the weight of that kind of loss, the way it leaves a permanent mark on your heart. But in those moments of grief, there are people who step forward, who become the steady presence you need to get through each day. For me, that person was Uncle Keith. He was there when I felt lost, offering a kind of support that words can’t fully describe. He didn’t just tell me it would be alright—he showed up, time and time again, making sure I never had to carry the weight of that pain alone. His strength became my strength, and his presence reminded me that even in the deepest sorrow, I wasn’t alone. Grief never truly disappears, but having someone like Uncle Keith by my side made it more bearable. He reminded me that love doesn’t fade, that family is there to hold you up when you feel like collapsing, and that even in the darkest moments, there’s always someone willing to walk through it with you.

When my mum passed away, there was an emptiness that felt impossible to fill. But my Nan, with all her love and wisdom, stepped in and took on a role that few could. She became my mother figure, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love when I needed it most. It takes incredible strength to step up in that way, to provide comfort when you yourself are grieving. Yet, she did it without hesitation. She was there to remind me that even though life had taken something so precious from me, it had also given me someone who would always be in my corner. Nan has taught me so much—about resilience, about kindness, about the importance of family. Her love has been a constant in my life, a reminder that even in loss, there are still people who will hold you close and help you find your way.

Through everything, my dad and Jane have been my steady foundation. They’ve been there through every challenge, every victory, every heartbreak, and every moment of uncertainty. Some people go through life without that kind of unwavering support, but I’ve never had to wonder if I was alone. Dad and Jane have always been there—whether it was through their guidance, their love, or simply their presence. They’ve taught me about resilience, about the importance of standing by the people you love, and about the kind of strength that doesn’t always have to be loud but is always there when you need it. No matter where life takes me, I know I can always turn to them.

Family doesn’t always mean blood relations. Sometimes, it’s the people you meet in life who become just as important. That’s exactly what my Holbrooks Community Care Association (HCCA) family has been for me—a pillar of strength, support, and encouragement when I needed it most. Life can be tough, and there are moments when you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world alone. But the people I’ve met through HCCA have shown me that no one has to go through it alone. Whether it’s through a shared laugh, a conversation when things feel overwhelming, or just knowing that someone is there to listen, this community has become an essential part of my journey. They’ve lifted me up during difficult times, reminded me of my worth, and given me a sense of belonging that goes beyond just being part of an organisation—it’s family. The friendships I’ve built here are invaluable, and I’ll always be grateful for the support and kindness I’ve found within this community.

Family isn’t always about shared blood—it’s about shared lives, shared struggles, and the people who stand beside you no matter what. In my heart, Geordie is my brother. We’ve pulled each other through some incredibly dark times, and I know without a doubt that we always will. No matter what life throws at us, we have each other—through the highs, the lows, the laughter, and the moments when words aren’t enough.

Beyond the struggles, we’ve made some of the best memories together, creating music that means something, music that has been both an escape and a way to say what we couldn’t put into words. The songs we’ve written, the moments we’ve shared—they’re a testament to everything we’ve been through and everything we’ve overcome. And may that never change. May we keep making music, keep creating memories, and keep standing by each other through it all, until we’re old and decrepit, still laughing, still playing, and still knowing that whatever happens, we are and always will be brothers.

Life is unpredictable. It can be beautiful, it can be painful, and it can change in an instant. But through it all, family—whether by blood or by choice—is what grounds us. My family has shaped me in ways I’ll never fully be able to express. They’ve given me the gift of music, the strength to endure loss, the comfort of unconditional love, and the knowledge that no matter what happens, I am never alone.

To Uncle Bern, Uncle Keith, Nan, Dad, Jane, Geordie, and my HCCA family—thank you. Thank you for being my inspiration, my support, my strength. Thank you for showing me what family truly means.

Will the faithful be rewarded When we come to the end Will I miss the final warning From the lie that I have lived Is there anybody calling I can see the soul within And I am not worthy I am not worthy of this

Are you with me after all Why can't I hear you Are you with me through it all Then why can't I feel you Stay with me, don't let me go Because there's nothing left at all Stay with me, don't let me go Until the Ashes of Eden fall