‘We’re enjoying our time together, although we’ve had our moments’

Mum Cathrina (47) says:

“When we said goodbye to Emma back in February, of course I was upset to see her go. I knew I’d miss her. But I was so happy for her too, because I knew how much she wanted to travel and I was glad of all the opportunities that could be out there for her.

“She’s very committed with a great work ethic, and I had no doubt she would do very well.

“But she hadn’t long arrived in Perth when things started to get a bit worrying. Back here, right at the start of March we still weren’t too worried about coronavirus.

“But over there, they were taking it very seriously and restrictions were coming in. I thought because she’d made it the whole way there it would be a real shame to turn straight around and, there she was sitting drinking G&TS at my aunts’ house by the pool under a lime tree.

“But Emma was getting the very clear message that people who weren’t from Australia should try to get out as soon as possible.

“So we did what we had to do, and got her out of there. She booked herself onto a flight, which was cancelled, but eventually right at the end of March, we got her a place on a repatriation one that took her to Dublin.

“By then, lockdown was in place here. It was so disappointing for Emma, and we all felt it.

“It wasn’t cheap to get her home either, but we’re glad we were able to do it. There must have been loads of other backpackers out there who were completely stuck.

“Having Emma home is a relief, but it’s been upsetting. Signing on to the dole is a million miles from what she thought she’d be doing right now, but knowing we’re all home together and safe is the main thing.

If she was still there right now, with all the uncertainty we’re experiencing around the world, it would have been much worse.

“And we’ve managed to enjoy our time a bit too. We’re very lucky because we’re here and safe, all under one roof — although we do have our moments.

“Emma’s pretty good and getting hold of our wine, for one! But we’re getting the fire on at night and Emma is helping to home-school Donal too, which is great.

“Once the dust settles on all this, I have no doubt she’ll be planning some new adventures.”