James Lillie’s legacy lives on through Georgia Lillie’s special wedge-tailed eagles book
After losing her husband to cancer, Georgia Lillie discovered an extraordinary way to help her young sons cope with grief – through the majesty of wedge-tailed eagles.
The “power and magic” of one of Australia’s most majestic creatures is now helping children learn to cope with grief, thanks to Camperdown farmer and accidental author Georgia Lillie.
Her late husband, James, was 51 when he died after a year-long cancer battle, and their sons, Fergus and Freddie, were just four and three.
“James’ diagnosis came like a bolt out of the blue. He was healthy and fit, loved riding motorbikes and flying his aeroplane,” Georgia said.
It was during palliative care that a psychologist suggested the couple needed a way to explain James’ eventual passing to the boys.
“She said some people believe in heaven, and that we needed to have a story for the boys for when James was gone,” Georgia said.
“There are a lot of wedge-tail eagles on our farm and we decided to tell the boys that when they saw an eagle in the sky, it was their Dad looking after them,” she said.
“It was a really beautiful way the boys could carry James with them.
“They were at an age where it was really hard to talk to them about the fact that Daddy wouldn’t be here.”
The story formed through the family’s grief, and their desire to keep James’ presence close, led to Georgia writing and self-publishing a children’s book titled My Dad is an Eagle Now.
It has sold 500 copies and is helping other families navigate the devastation on losing a loved one.
From the sales, $15,000 has been donated to cancer research – just a “drop in the ocean for what is needed”, Georgia said.
“But what I really hope is the families that read it get some comfort and that they feel the book is special and that James lives on in this book and other people know a part of him,” she said.
James died in 2019 – just a year after being diagnosed.
“In some ways, I found the anticipatory grief harder. Afterwards, I struggled incredibly, but I felt I had to get myself together and get on with it a bit,” Georgia said.
“The kids really saved me, time and time again – with kids, stuff just has to happen.
“Fergus was starting school, which he was excited about, the week after James died, so we had to make it happen for him.
“The kids are amazing and keep me going. And, I have had a lot of support from friends and family.”
Now, Georgia is running the farm, with 100 trade cattle plus 200 cows and calves, as well as hay shares.
“We are building numbers, that’s the plan,” she said.
“Dad comes out and helps me a bit, and I have the help of my partner as well.”
Plus the kids, now 12 and 11, are always keen to pitch in, especially if that involves riding a motorbike, taking after their Dad.
Georgia is happier on a horse, and, as an accomplished equestrian, has found much solace in riding.
Writing has been cathartic, too, giving her an outlet away from the farm to help others. Her second book, The Blue Horse, once again with illustrator Ilana Greener, takes the reader to the ocean on a poetic journey of leaning into fear and riding the waves of life.
A third book is also under way, titled Forest’s First Day.
“For me, knowing my writing is going to help other families has been a way I could do something special, from something so horrible,” Georgia said.
Georgia Lillie has been nominated for the 2025 Shine Awards. To nominate an outstanding rural woman you know, click here.
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