Here today......

Two years ago I was asked to make a small "documentary" style story through video and photography about former children who had spent a varying number of years of their lives in Church of England Boys and Girls homes in the Carlingford area of Sydney from the 1940's until the mid1970's when the homes were closed. My brief was basically to record their reunion; their recollections if they wished and just take images of them together again. There were some 100 in attendance. I did not have any framework other than that. It started out well and the view of many of what are today our senior citizens had many different thoughts and feelings about their years growing up in the homes. Thoughts and expressions of happiness and joy were evident from most, many said that at the very least they had a place to sleep, their bedding and clothes were clean, they had relatively good meals, though some recalled the presence of weevils in certain foods on occasion. Some said that during the war, they had food that was poor at best and started to describe the little things they did to get by. It was a humbling journey to witness. There were a couple of people whose recollections were not as pleasant. I saw old men some who were near tears as they walked around the grounds of what was once their home. Some of the people did not want to be interviewed on camera but shared their stories with me nonetheless. I felt honoured to have such an insight into the lives of these strangers who I felt were my friends. I was reminded of this special day, because on the weekend I was asked to go back again and do the same thing. I was hesitant to do so, as I thought how could I possibly do a better job, I note that my equipment, and skill is always on the improve, it is just that I didn’t think I could top it…I still don’t. I did note though that some of the people in the last DVD and photos have died in the intervening two years. I am so grateful that I had the chance to meet, hear and record them. Life is so short. We are here and we are gone and like a demolition company slogan on the side of their trucks in Sydney says; All we leave is a memory! And if the memory of those who knew us fades or forgets and if we do not have plaques or statues built to honour us, and even if we do, largely we leave nothing.



I am often reminded of our temporary tenure on this mortal coil we call the world. I am horrified that bombs are occurring around the globe with an increasing and almost expectant frequency. I am horrified that there are people in the world who feel that in order to be heard and in order to augment change they need to hurt, kill or maim people- any people to make us all understand. What is it with that thinking? I do not understand it at all. When did might become right? I don’t understand how we can have people around us who would easily take the life of another rather than air their grievances in a civilised and mature way, however choose such a destructive and permanent way to make their point. I think specifically of Benazhir Bhutto in Pakistan, a country of 160 million people when in the middle of an otherwise peaceful rally a bomb went off killing and injuring some 140 people in the last few days. Just because I do not know them doesn’t mean I do not care about the tears and cries of parents who lose each other or their children. What about the story of a young boy this past week who was found dead in a suitcase in Sydney allegedly killed by his mother. What the? I wonder what our creator thinks at times. Obviously there is much good in the world, but the few bad seem to punctuate our lives and sometimes cause us to think or act differently. I am pained by the growing tide of offence and anger that seems to be rising in society and feel that I have been a contributor to the offence and anger I speak of on occasion but would never take out my anger in such a way. Burt Bacharach’s “What the World needs now, is Love sweet love” has never been more important and more pivotal.

I cannot change the world, but I can start with me…and today I make a new commitment to endeavour to be more tolerant and caring, patient and understanding.

Life is a strange thing at times. I am a slow learner. I have so many faults and weaknesses I am often found shaking my head and wondering why the hell I did certain things or said words that have cut and hurt people, without ever meaning to do that. I am guilty of sometimes being caught up so much in what I am doing that I have failed to recognise the hurt and pain of others around me. This post today is my way of stopping and thinking more about the life I lead, and remembering to enjoy the journey, no matter how short or long that journey may be.