Selfless
Original Coat worn by my mother as she travelled to Australia, photo
Fear of the unknown and excitement were some of the emotions my mother, Erminia Crapis faced as she prepared to leave her country, Italy, knowing she may never return. A huge amount of sadness was undoubtedly felt regarding leaving her home, her family and all the support that came with a place where many generations had live. However eagerness to be reunited with her husband whom left for Australia two year earlier to pave the way for their young family was a strong driving force. Francesco Davoli (Papa) left for Australia to start a different life, and provide an improved future for his child Maria and to any imminent children that may follow.
Erminia Crapis, (Mamma) left everything she ever knew about the world to follow her husband, taking their daughter who was only 3years old with her to a strange, distant country. Trusting that her husband was guiding them to a better life, mother and daughter boarded the ship on 24th December 1954 and set off wearing their striking new coats which were purchased especially for the journey and their life in Australia. The coats marked a fresh beginning. But the picture was complete when three year old Maria was gifted a little white handbag for the journey, which she treasured and carried at all times on the ship. She was a miniature version of her mamma.
A month went by and at the end of January 1955 they arrived at Melbourne pier.
There was surely lots of merriment to finally reach Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and soon touch the Land of promise. Considerable amount of joy came to the fore. The ship would have vibrated with energy.
My mamma spoke of those exciting moments as the ship was tugged into place and secured. Everyone moved to the ship deck where they stood at the rails to lookout and wave to the people below waiting on the Pier. My sister Maria became so thrilled by what was happening around her, she started waving her arms while holding her precious little white bag over the rails of the ship. My mamma spotted Francesco, her husband, Maria’s papa and pointed him out to her. Francesco tossed lollies to her as from the pier. Maria in an effort to catch them and connect with her papa, throw out her arms, releasing her grip of the little white handbag that she loved so dearly. Sadly the little white hand bag tumbled into the water below and gradually drifted away. Maria began screaming and all joy left her body and was replaced by sadness. The tears flowed freely as mother and daughter disembarked the ship and were reunited with Francesco.
The emotions that my mother and sister experienced at that moment we’re an indication of the emotions that would follow over the first few years as they gave themselves wholly to making a new life in Australia: excitement, sadness, loss – but in the end joy.
My mamma and papa died 11months apart of each other, both aged in their late 80s. They lived 60 plus years in Australia on their grape property in Euston, New South Wales. They had cleared their land of all the rocks, with their own hands; planted and nurtured grape vines while raising their five children.
They passed away having lost their daughter Maria 5 years earlier but knowing they left 4 children behind plus 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, and surely many more would eventually follow.
Our parents, Francesco Davoli and Erminia (Crapis) Davoli selflessly gave all of themselves for us to have a better future. They worked tirelessly every day of their lives, working the land side by side. We, their descendants will be forever grateful.
Rosina Byrne (Davoli), Daughter
Rosina Byrne 