Day 18: Tiffany 1

A most fortuitous thing happened during my last year at Sydney University. Marian Baird, a close colleague in the Business School let me know her daughter, Rose Grey, had just finished her degree and was looking for part time work if I heard of anything. As it happened, I was just putting together a new course on women's rights and was desperately looking for a good tutor.  Rose and I met and I was instantly struck by her intelligence and charm. I offered her the job on the spot, but little did I know where our connection would lead.

Rose and I on the way to submit her thesis for examination, March 2015: Photograph by Angus.

When I was awarded the fellowship at UNSW, it came with the offer of two PhD scholarships. I instantly thought of Rose for one of these: she had a law degree and a stellar academic record, and like me was interested in the International Criminal Court, which was the subject of my fellowship research. I had already noted her diligence, easy going nature and humour and thought she'd be a perfect PhD candidate. I was thrilled when after some deliberation Rose agreed to come and join me at UNSW. It was her alma mater, so while I was the new kid on the block, she was able to help guide me through the labyrinth. We drew in Sarah Williams, outstanding International Law expert, as a co-supervisor, and together we formed a crack team.

Rose's graduation, with Sarah, 2015.

Over the course of the next four years, Rose did groundbreaking research into the ICC Prosecutor's discretion in relation to sexual violence crimes. She spent her time between the Hague, and back with Sarah and I in Kensington. Throughout the process Rose maintained an easy calm (at least to us!)  balancing tutoring, research assistance work and her own significant PhD research. The end result was a dissertation that received the highest plaudits from her examiners, an impressive list of publications, and experience in teaching and mooting. It was no surprise then that Rose was selected for a prestigious post doctoral fellowship at Melbourne Law School, working closely with the wonderful Professor Hilary Charlesworth.

Today, I had a long skype call with Rose to discuss our ongoing joint research projects. We enjoy working together and have lots of projects on the go. During these past few challenging months, Rose has, as ever, been so generous to me, helping me complete some papers that are now long overdue due. I am hugely indebted and grateful to Rose for her incredible support.

After the call with Rose, Robbie and I braved the heat (39oc!!!!) to go a meet Jeff, Annie and Cal  - my in-laws - for lunch. Over the past few years, these three have had everything imaginable thrown at them and yet they continue to come up smiling and able to maintain a great sense of humour. They are truly inspirational. Jeff and Cal gave me some handy tips for managing chemo, and we discussed how fortunate we are to have the loving support of Annie, on their team, and Robbie on mine.

Chemo busters, Jeff and Cal with Annie and me.

On day 17 I was wearing a very special pair of earrings - the ones I have on in the photo with Rose the day she submitted her PhD. They are a birthday gift from Robbie for my birthday from about 7 years ago, a pair of Tiffany silver indented disks with small diamonds. They are one of many pairs of Tiffany earrings Rob has bought me over the years - I did mention early on that I'm very spoilt. I love them all, but these are probably my favourite, and ones I wear often.



I  received a thoughtful gift from Andy and Natalya- the most divine chocolates made by a local Erskineville chocolatier called Rochford that I didn't even know existed. Danger! Andy and Tals are close friends of the Chappell Clan, and run Cookbook Catering, which has now become the caterer of choice for our family functions, the UNSW Law Faculty, and many friends. 


I felt well today, aside from the heat, which is exhausting for everyone. Hair is falling from my head like confetti. I'm looking forward to making the most of the next few days before infusion 2 on Tuesday.