Dearest Colm,

MY favourite son (you are my only son — along with your two sisters!). I cannot believe in the six-anda-half years that you have been in Australia, I have never actually ‘written’ to you.

Yes, Facebook and Skype are great, but by writing this letter, I feel I can really tell you how proud I am of you, but also explain how much you are missed and dearly loved.

On a cold and wet December day in 2010, you told us you were going to Melbourne with your older sister Caitriona. Mind you, she is only 11 months older — my Irish twins!

Caitriona was on the cusp of her 20th birthday, and you on the cusp of your 19th. And even though I had, at the time, advised you to go with Caitriona, I didn’t really believe that you would... and so soon, only five weeks later.

You were both so brave, Colm, full of adventure and promise, but also so young. I will never forget the morning that you both strolled through the departure gates at Cork Airport, a St Christopher’s medal around your neck, backpack over your shoulder, all 6ft 2in of you.

You have done so well since, Colm. After only completing one-and-a-half years of your degree course in bar management, you are now assistant manager in one of the largest bars in Melbourne.

On your first visit home, your granddad remarked that you left Ireland as a boy, but had come back a man. I want to thank you, Colm, for sacrificing all your well-earned holidays to visit whenever you could. I’m so sorry for not managing to do the same and visiting you in Melbourne.

My heart was particularly breaking the year you had to travel back alone, as Caitriona had decided it was time to move back. I still don’t know how I managed the escalator from the departure gate in Dublin Airport, or how I actually managed to get the car park ticket out of my purse that day.

But the tears and loneliness pass with the hope and excitement of your next trip — or hopefully mine, next year, for my 50th (sshh, don’t tell anyone!).

At the age of just 25 years old, Colm, you have achieved so much. Melbourne and PJ’s are so lucky to have you.

I miss your big, warm smile, your playful laugh, your “monster hugs”. I miss our long conversations, though we talk every week, but sadly not face to face. I miss your cooking and your friends, ‘the lads’! Always remember, though, Colm, that home is where love is, and where kindness is.

And as the sun shines brightly on this warm midsummer evening, I would give anything to be sipping a glass of Pinot with my favourite son. Love always, Mam Eilis Brennan, Montenotte, Cork