In the month or so before Bonny was due to leave for the US, there was a lot to organise, and some things were of vital importance to get right. The main thing was to arrange for her to get her US passport, which she was entitled to because I didn't marry her father. I stayed over in Melbourne to help with that but left her to make all the other arrangements.

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I was at home in Newstead when I got a phone call from her. I had never heard her in such a state. I couldn't get to her. What could I do?

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"Mum, I don't know what to do! I'm in a panic and I can't think!"

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I had never heard her in such a state. I desparately wanted to get to her but I couldn't. I had to keep calm. What could I do? How could I help her? I had an idea.

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"Now, Bonny, take it easy. Breathe."

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"Yes, Mum, I'm trying," Sob.

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"Where are you?"

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"I'm in the city."

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"Whereabouts?"

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"In Collins Street."

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"Are you near The Block Arcade?"

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"Yes."

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"Well, go to the chocolate shop in the Arcade and buy some really nice chocolate and eat it."

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It seemed to work.