This week has been just awful in Sydney, with our beautiful city becoming the scene of a shocking and terrifying crime. A young mother of three little ones callously ripped from her family, a young man in the prime of his life stolen from his partner and loved ones. Many others injured, damaged, traumatised. In the week before Christmas, no less. Our city is grieving, hurting, suffering, but it warms my heart to also see our city coming together to take a stand against this kind of violence.
It may be an everyday occurrence in many other parts of the world, but we don’t stand for it. This is our city.
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| Floral tributes at Martin Place |
Catching the train into town for work the day after the Sydney siege, I noticed more people making eye contact, smiling, paying attention to one another. Some people were noticeably anxious as our train got closer to the CBD, myself included, but there was a sense of solidarity in the carriage. I felt safe, supported, united.
The city itself was much quieter than usual, despite the thousands of people going about their days, determined to hold their ground and not surrender to fear. This is our city, our home, we cannot let one horrific incident take that away from us.
My heart goes out to both of the victims of the siege, and to all of the other hostages as well, but it is the story of Katrina Dawson, hardworking mother of three, that has truly shaken me to the core. To go off to work and never return to your babies – it is gut-wrenching, heartbreaking. My worst nightmare.
So in this week before Christmas, with so much tragedy surrounding us, I wanted to take stock of my blessings - I know I have a lot to be thankful for.
- I’m thankful for my wonderful husband, who is my best friend, and who makes me feel loved, supported, secure and safe.
- I’m thankful that I’ve been able to experience two pregnancies, two births, and that I now have two delightfully cheeky toddlers, even though sometimes they make me want to scream into a pillow.
- I'm thankful that I've been able to breastfeed both of my children, and that I can still provide that nourishment and comfort to my 17 month old, as much as the 'nip-lash' pains me.
- I’m thankful to have a job that offers flexibility and financial security, and one that I can do well, even though sometimes juggling everything makes me want to throw in the towel.
- I’m thankful to have a great house to live in, plenty of food to eat, and the means to buy anything we really need, even though some of the things we ‘want’ may still be out of reach.
- I’m thankful to have two beautiful, creative and compassionate sisters, who have become the most awesome aunties.
- I’m thankful for my amazing mother, who has been through so much, but still only thinks of others, and who is a magical and super-fun nanna.
- I’m thankful for my dad, who is nearing 70 and has just bought a Masarati, and who weeps when he says goodbye to my kids.
- I’m thankful to have some very close friends who I’ve known since childhood, who remind me of who I was before I became so bloody responsible.
- I’m thankful for new friends I’ve met, who allow me to be the woman I’m still evolving into.
- I’m thankful that we live in a country where violence is not the norm, where guns are heavily regulated, and where I generally feel safe walking the streets.
- And right now, I’m thankful for dairy-free dark chocolate and red wine.
In the aftermath of the horrific Sydney siege, take some time to think about what you’re thankful for, and to appreciate the things that you have. Every day is precious; every moment you share with your loved ones is a gift.
Don’t waste it.
Don’t waste it.
RIP Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson.
