JULIE SPENCER, DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE (DOCO 2021)

Relocation is an arduous task and one that we all have to endure at some stage. I would like to give recognition to a removalist called Rick, who, apart from growing the longest ever dreadlocks, has a safe driving record, is physically fit, can lift heavy objects and manoeuvre heavy vehicles. These strongmen, have interesting lives - if one bothers to ask. I did, as my 19th century french oak buffet was shuffled carefully into his truck. Several years of studying law came to an abrupt end with the diagnosis of his mother’s lung cancer. The doctors said 6 months. Rick wasn’t having any of that. He quit law to do his own cancer research and take care of his mother. His parents, both immigrants with little schooling needed help navigating their way around all things medical. He found a world renowned Sydney professor who helped keep his mother alive for the next 5 and half years. During these precious but often gruelling years were some good results which allowed Rick to take an overseas trip with the help of some borrowed funds from his parents. On his return home, his aim was to quickly payback his parents so he secured a job with a trucking company. The work was hard, but the pay was good. It was only meant to be temporary, but he loved the job. 18 years later, he’s still at it - with his own truck this time, and sometimes with the company of his Japanese partner Yoko, who he met at Stanmore McDonalds as it happened, not whilst hiking Mount Fuji. Convincing his partner’s parents he was a good match for Yoko took some time apparently. Rick was far from your stereotypical Japanese husband and rarely touched alcohol. Having a beautiful little daughter to take back to Japan helped as did his willingness to partake in the hard yakka needed on the family farm. This seriously impressed Yoko’s father. Rick never became a lawyer, but can argue like one. His physical strength and adventurous free spirit suit a life on the road, moving people’s treasured possessions - often long distances. On his time off, he studies permaculture and connects with nature. As a result of life’s twists and turns, he feels his blessings are many - and I do too.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.