There's nothing like being there.
In 1985 after a marriage break-up, my eldest son decided to go and live in Melbourne with his father.
It was hard to let him go, but he was 16, so I thought he would be OK without his mother, and he was.
After briefly attending school he left and started working and making his way in the world.
During this time I did manage a couple of trips over to see him.
In 1992 I received the news that he and his girlfriend were expecting a baby in July, and that they were planning to get married in March.
This was exciting news for me, but unfortunately, I said, I could not afford two trips over in that short space of time.
It was a difficult choice to make, but I decided I would miss the wedding, but really wanted to be there for the birth of my first grandchild.
As it happened the weekend of the wedding coincided with the Hokitika Wild Food Festival, and a good friend suggested we go over to the West Coast for that.
I agreed it was good idea, so on the Friday after work off we set.
However, before leaving Christchurch, my friend said she had to call in to the airport to pick up a package for her husband.
Well, on entering the airport I was suddenly surrounded by friends and family, and for heaven's sake even a press photographer.
I had no idea what was going on, but it turned out I was off to Melbourne courtesy of some very kind and generous people.
Panic set in as I had no Australian money, and definitely no outfit suitable for mother of the groom.
Fortunately, as it turned out, I did not need any money, and my daughter-in-law gave me one of her dresses to wear, and even a pair of her shoes, so my happiest day went on to be my happiest weekend as well.
Sadly, in 2008 my daughter-in-law died from breast cancer, so I am especially glad to have the the happy memories and photos of the wedding.
• Janice Grossett is a retired postal worker and now a keen gardener and gold fossicker.
Your best day
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