Dearest Doris,
With every passing day, the sad news that you have left us still does not seem real, nor does time make it any easier.
We spoke on your birthday, as we did every year since we met in Vienna in 1994, then exchanged messages 4 days later for my birthday. Life is busy & time passes, with the odd message here & there.
Yet, something made me pick up the phone on Friday 17th May 20:30 Melbourne time, to say hello, hear your voice, see your face……….then Sunday, the news was received in Australia. Was this your sign to us? To tell us the news?
We met in Vienna in 1994 and you became part of my life, our life, and we in yours, from that day. A friendship that spanned 30 years - Austria to Australia, no matter the distance. You let us into your world, welcomed me and opened your home and your world to me, as if we’d known each other for years.
You welcomed my sister Natalie into your home when she & I visited Vienna, meeting your mother and again made my family feel like your family.
In 2009, Vienna was my first stop (and 4th visit) on my & Kari's honeymoon, and her and your first meeting. You were in the middle of serious exams and were apologetic we were not able to stay with you.....but the friendship and bond grew from that moment between you and "Schatzi". You booked a room for us in a hotel in Klosterneuburg, firmly instructed the staff to make up the room, shower the bed with red rose petals, a nice Austrian red wine and visited us for a drink and night out for schnitzel. A truly gorgeous, welcoming and wonderful soul.
In 2013 it was your turn to visit us in the Southern Hemisphere, where you stayed with Kari & I in Melbourne, were an important part in celebrating my grandmothers 75th Birthday, before you, Kari & I travelled to New Zealand. Why? “Because, Andrew, the Austrian Skiing Team trained there and we need to go”. You polished Kari’s skills in skiing & were amazed how my backside didn’t get badly bruised after all my snowboarding falls. We travelled, we laughed, we exchanged our worldly knowledge, we drank, we ate & we shared many experiences. We now visit New Zealand every year - thanks to you.
And in 2020, another world adventure was on the cards for you, celebrating your 60th Birthday in Australia, where we travelled together to Northern Australia (Queensland), chasing the sun, warm weather, koalas & kangaroos.
As with all dearest friendships, they are defined by great moments of laughter, sharing good times and good conversations.
One story that will stay with me for ever is when, after a dinner out with Kari & I on a night when there was a major horse race around the corner, we walked you to the tram stop back to your accommodation. As you boarded the tram and you hugged me goodnight, everyone on the tram kept pointing and asking “How do you know Sting???” You played along, saying “Ja, ja, we are good family friends. When he comes to Vienna, he visits me, we go to dinner and wine. He’s here performing, so we caught up for dinner”. You kept everyone on the 30 min tram ride entertained of your stories of “knowing Sting”!!
Doris, you were more than a friend - you were family. You opened your home to me when I first travelled in 1994 and as recently as February 2024, were still welcoming me back to Vienna to celebrate our birthdays together. My sister, my parents, my wife were all treated to your Viennese hospitality. I hope we made you feel as special and at home when you stayed with us in Australia.
It is sad to think my phone won't ping at 6am with a message from you, a new travelling adventure together won’t be arranged, a birthday phone call every year, a Christmas video or a New Year FaceTime - all signed off with Bussi Bussi.
Our heart's break with each thought of you leaving us so soon, a heart and soul with so much life, love & adventure.
You have given us a lifetime of memories, of laughter, of tears, of good times, of a truly gorgeous person and an everlasting bond.
We miss you, Schtazi!!
Andrew & Kari.
