In this month’s Marie Clare magazine - six prominent Australians take the opportunity to say thank you to the person who encouraged them to fulfil their potential and become who they are today.
Ricki-Lee Coulter
Singer and Australia’s Got Talent host Ricki-Lee.
Dear John,
I didn’t have a dad growing up – and I didn’t know something was missing until you came into my life when I was eight. You came to Australia at 23, to play rugby with nothing but a backpack and a credit card. When we met, I’m sure I didn’t make it easy for you – I was protective of my mum. You were just a kid, you didn’t have to take me under your wing. But you did, instinctively, with such pride and with such ease – and slowly but surely you won my heart. As a child, you taught me how to use a knife and fork properly, you sat with me and did my homework and helped make sense of things that didn’t make sense. And I can safely say the reason I am the grammar police now is because of you!
You taught me manners and instilled in me so many of the core values that led to who I am today. You taught me the importance of honesty and sticking to your word. You taught me to be bold, to be adventurous, to have fun, to celebrate your wins and to put your head down and work even harder after losses. You challenged me in every single way – to be better, to think bigger, to go further. I remember the day you asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, and I said a famous singer. You said singing was “just a hobby” but you also told me one of the most important things, “You can do anything you put your mind to. As long as you apply yourself, you can do it.” And you always led by example. I remember you going to a job interview and you hired a suit and a red Ford Capri, when really we had a Ford Falcon that sounded like it was about to explode. I watched you work your way up the ranks and eventually become a partner. The dedication and sacrifice it took to achieve that was such a huge lesson for me, and something I’ve had to do a lot of in my career. For a young girl who was used to feeling abandoned and at times unloved, you gave me time, showed me love, patience and, most importantly, guidance.
I know that I can always count on you. I know you’re my dad – so you’re supposed to be all those things. But I also know very well that being a dad doesn’t mean you actually will be. The way I see it is, you are all those things ... and the bonus on top of that is, you are my dad.
– Ricki-Lee
