Little things can make all the difference

While the world spins out of control
And things look sad and bleak today
I follow Caitlin Jean outside
Where she picks three yellow stinky flowers
That grow wild amongst the grass and weeds.
So tenderly she picks them and cups them in her hands
I ask does she need some more
She replies “No we will leave them for later”.
She makes the floral arrangement, standing on a chair
Displays them on the dinner table
In a glass candle holder now the world’s smallest vase.
This gesture full of love just for her mother
Returning from a hard day’s work
Will make it all seem worthwhile.
Placing the shopping on the counter
Brought as she is driving home
Caitlin’s little flowers catch her eye
Lift her spirits and weary bones
Bringing a smile to her face
Giving her the strength to carry on.
And of course Caitlin gets a hug full of love.

Kerry Bowden, Monday September 13 2004

Leaving Caitlin, Family and Friends

There came a point - after a few more phone calls to Jean’s contact – when there was a light bulb moment and everything seemed to fall into place. I sent an email to Jean at Djarragun. “What do you think about the Peace Embassy being at Djarragun?” “ YES - but you will have to do all the pushing yourself. We are pretty busy.”
The Peace Embassy is for children. I could think of none more suitable than the students of Djarragun Indigenous College. Most of my adult life has been spent working to improve conditions for indigenous people. To be around some who are already succeeding would be like being paid to go to heaven.

It was sad to leave A.C and Shaftesbury. I moved back to the Sunshine Coast to wait until I had funds to return north. My loyal committee while sorry to see me go, know that with the Internet, video conferencing and emails we will never is far away. They still have a big role to play.

Then - I opened my email and read the one from Noah in Bethlehem!

It was not easy to leave Caitlin soon to be four. I had looked after her on Mondays when we played, drew, cooked and imagined all sorts of things. Of course I was also going to miss my other two grandchildren not to mention my family and friends.

Friday Sept 24 As I sit at the end of the table in my sisters house. It is just five days since I decided to write this book.

Yesterday I spent many hours with my mate Carole where we went through the concept and what I already written. It felt good having Carole’s input from the start and she enjoyed using her journalistic brain again after too many years away from this sort of thing.

Mum has just arrived in the kitchen and tells me ………

“ You have mail from Bethlehem!”

...next.....Handprints from Bethlehem