In 2006, Vanessa lost a heart locket that was given to her by her late Mum before she died of brain cancer. However, on Valentine’s Day (of all days), a yardsman found Vanessa’s locket in the apartment sauna.
So grateful and inspired by the turn of events, Vanessa wrote a short story called “A Gift” about the experience and submitted it to the Daffodil Day Arts Awards, an initiative of the Victorian Cancer Council.
The wonderful Australian novellist, Arnold Zable was judging that year, and Vanessa earned one of the commended prizes. She also attended the ceremony and art exhibit where she got to view her story blown up and displayed on the gallery wall.
A wonderful and meaningful experience all-round.
