Family Echoes

The love and warmth from home and family during Dieter's early years still reverberate in his thoughts and dreams, enveloping him like a patchwork of memories. They are the foundation on which he wishes to build his own life with Jean and their children. However there are challenges along the way. Having to leave Papua New Guinea in a hurry and start life in a new country with dramatic shifts in culture and climatic conditions is not easy for Dieter. Gaining a new and welcoming family helps amid the trials of finding accommodation and employment so that he can fulfill his responsibility to his beloved Jean and their growing family. An extended visit to New Zealand from his mother and three half brothers induces angst at a time when Dieter is working long hours and their second daughter Lisa is born. His old anxieties return. Eventually his family returns to Australia and Dieter feels in control of his life once more.The long awaited son Christopher arrives to complete the family and Dieter is overjoyed, seeking to become a good father for his children that he never experienced - building a playground for them, teaching them to help in the garden, participating in fun times as well as going on family excursions and holidays. Disaster strikes when Dieter is made redundant with no recompense at a time and age when it seems impossible for him to gain another position. Anxiety and depression threaten him. Together Jean and Dieter seek a solution to stay in their recently purchased home, support their three teenagers and find meaningful occupations for the family to survive. What will the future hold?