Today is 11 September. Twenty years ago, horror was unfolding at the World Trade Centre in New Year. Two hijacked planes flew into both towers. The resulting death toll was just under three thousand, which also included fatalities at the plane crash into the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, when passengers fought the hijackers in a fourth plane to crash away from a strategic target.
That was one of those days that I was really frightened that the world was going to end. There were other days like that before and afterwards. During both Gulf Wars, the advent of SARS and more recently, the panic caused by the COVID19 pandemic.
However, the attacks on the World Trade Centre changed the world's status, and certainly for the worse. The Americans and the Europeans were warned about Osama Bin Laden and his intention to cause global violence and chaos, months prior to the terrible events. However, due to the complicated politics, rival sects of Islam and other religious tensions in South Asia and the Middle East, this information was not acted upon.
This has, unfortunately, unleashed two decades of war and misery on so many people. The United States sought revenge on an ideology and its leader, not any tangible part of the world. Afghanistan has been ravaged by West and East, Sunni and Shia. Minority groups all across the region have been persecuted. Cruelty on all sides has been unrelenting. And refugees, who fled from these horrific places have suffered further and continuing harm.
And yet, amongst all this inhumanity are beacons of hope, of generosity, of kindness. Those who died in 9/11 rang families and friends beforehand to send messages of love. In the worst of times, acts of grace and of courage have been performed by individuals, by groups, by countries. The passage to freedom for refugees such as Ali Dorani (Mister Eaten Fish), Abdul Aziz Adam and Behrouz Boochani are truly wonderful tales. Community groups work tirelessly to help more, for those both inside this country and overseas. The amazing Greg Kiernan coordinates Asylum Arts in Australia, attempting to assist about fourteen thousand souls earn enough funds from their art to obtain freedom. Angela Fredericks and her astonishing Home to Bilo campaign will not give up the fight to bring Sri Lankan family Nades, Priya, Kopica and Tharnaanica out of detention and back to the central Queensland town. So many who help are ordinary people who have decided to make a difference in the face of adversity.
There are many episodes where kindness has touched my life but two in particular stand out. A very long time ago, my twin daughters were stillborn when I was six months pregnant. I had been impressively round prior to their delivery and quite a few knew I was having twins.
I was standing in the queue at the fruit and veg market when the checkout operator excitedly asked me about my twins. Without warning, I began to cry. I stood there, frozen and desolate. Then, from behind me came a comforting hand on my shoulder. I never looked around, but that person, whoever they were, gave me the will to continue that day. I shall never forget.
Then today of all days, another pure gesture. We were having a busy day in the East End Gallery. Michael and I were both in our element, telling our story, showcasing our artists and giving tourism and history information. An older lady and gentleman spent quite some time with us, having been urged by their children to pay us a visit. We waved them goodbye and wished them a great day. Shortly afterwards, the lady returned. She explained that she and her husband were having difficulty getting away for a holiday and were consumed by their work. They had decided to come to Beverley on an outing. She complimented us on the Gallery and Giftshop and exclaimed "we had made their day". She then pressed some money into my hand, thanked us again and was gone. We could not believe our good fortune and her generous gift to us.
That donation paid for our dinner at the Freemasons Tavern this evening. We are wanting to support Graham, Kerry and John, who are the new owners as well as chefs Carlo and Sue. Limited means prevent us from patronising other businesses in town as much as we would like. Tonight, with love to that lovely couple, we were able to go out and enjoy a superb red curry.
How lucky are we.
No comments:
Post a Comment