By GARRY HOWE
Peter Blackwood’s ritual keeps murdered wife’s memory alive…
A PICTURE frame sits on Peter Blackwood’s bedside table with the quote: “We don’t know how strong we are, until being strong is the only choice we have”.
He reads that to himself every morning.
Also in his bedroom is a portrait of his wife Kylie, the mother of three murdered in their Pakenham home on 1 August 2013.
He gives her a wink every morning.
Peter explained this daily ritual to the 260 guests who attended the second annual Kylie Blackwood Foundation Dinner at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Friday night.
It is an event designed to raise awareness about the issue of violence against women and a bit of money as well for the White Ribbon Foundation. Early indications are that around $15,000 will be added to the coffers.
“This is a night of recognition for Kylie,” Peter told the crowd. “I feel she is spiritually still with me.
“I talk to her every day and think about her every second of the day – I never want to give up on that.
“I hope this night continues for years to come, as we are raising money for a great cause in White Ribbon.”
A highlight of the night was Peter and Kylie’s 14-year-old son Chase interviewing the MC, star Hawthorn player Sam Mitchell, who answered the probing questions in good humour.
The Blackwoods have become close friends of Mitchell and Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson over the past couple of years.
Peter described Chase as a young man of the highest calibre and said his mother would be so proud of him.
“I think people who are close to me know what this kid means to me,” he said.
“Chase, I would be lost without you. You carry yourself with class, dignity, courage and great devotion and love for your family.
“These are traits you rarely see in 14-year-old boys.”
He described daughter Holly as the bravest 12-year-old in the world.
“I am so proud of you, you have a beautiful soul. Good luck with the surfing darling and remember to always follow your dreams.”
He described her twin Mia as a beautiful, intelligent girl.
“You have come a long way darling, I am very proud of you and will always be there for you.”
Peter thanked the Kylie Blackwood Foundation trustees Brian Paynter and his wife Liz, who with the help of Kylie Hillard and Danni Wellwood helped put the night together, Paul Desmond and Sadhana Smiles, along with his good friends Paul and Jenny Morgan, his sisters Mary and Anne, Kylie’s parents Alan and Edie Whitta and the staff at his real estate business Harcourts in Pakenham, particularly sales manager Tain Bartholomew.
He ended his speech by thanking his mother Shirley, who died of ovarian cancer only days after Kylie’s murder.
“My mother was, and always will be, the greatest influence in my life,” he said. “She had two amazing qualities. One was her faith, which could never be questioned and never wavered, and the other was her kindness to human beings and the people who needed help the most.
“I will always remember the last words of advice she gave me. They will sit in my heart for the rest of my life. She has changed me for the better. I love you mum.”
Just before leaving the stage, he looked at Chase, Holly and Mia and said: “My biggest weakness is my children; my greatest strength are my children”.
