G’day Clarissa L, 

You have made my day! I am currently deployed in the UAE and today I was fortunate enough to receive your handmade laundry bag. 

I sincerely appreciate all the time and effort you spent finding the patterns, fabrics, emblems etc. The bag is exactly what I was after and I’m stoked I get to use it everyday. Doing months away from friends and family, these little things truly make all the difference!

Thank you for your letter. Sounds like you’ve had a hell of a life already with very successful children. I absolutely love my time in Defence and I hope your son does too. 

The work of you and all the members of Aussie Hero Quilts is priceless. Our team over here has genuinely had a boost to morale thanks to all your efforts! 

Once again thank you for your support, effort and generosity of time. 

Go the Tahs,

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Hi Marilyn S,

First of all, thank you for the amazing laundry bag—this is truly a game-changer! Not only does it save my socks from running off to start their own rebel colony, but it also scores major points with your construction-loving grandsons. I bet Bob the Builder himself would give it a resounding “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”

As for me, I’ve been in the Australian Defence Force for 7 years after transferring from the British Army after 22 years’ service, which means I’ve become quite skilled at ironing uniforms and surviving on instant coffee. Before joining, I travelled the world and had many weird and wonderful jobs. Home for me is Brisbane, and my family includes my wife of whom I have been married to for 29 years and a son aged 20.

Your story about Stawell and the Stawell Gift really made me smile. It sounds like Easter there is practically a national sport! And Belgrave sounds like a slice of heaven—peace and quiet, with just a touch of controlled chaos when your enormous family gathers. With that crew, I imagine you need a whistle and maybe a referee’s uniform to keep order during family get-togethers.

Thanks again for sharing a bit of your world and gifting me something I’ll use and treasure. Sending my best wishes to you and the entire [very large and clearly lively] family. Stay healthy and safe—you’ll need that energy to keep up with them!

Warm RAEgards

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