Lest We Forget

In Feb'95 I made a decision that saw me join the military and follow in my Grandfathers footsteps of serving in the Australian Army. During my 13 weeks at Kapooka, it was my Grandad who patiently wrote me each one of those weeks, often including little treats to lift my mood.

I now understand so much more about why he did that & why it was so important to him that he goes out of his way to give me the extra support and gifts of love during what he knew was one of the biggest challenges in my life. My Grandad also knew exactly what it took for me to get there.

My Grandad's lived experience of what it was like to be in the trenches of hell & the feeling of hope when a package from home would arrive to lighten his heart often shone through in the many ways he would show love for his family.

My Grandad was incredibly close to his sisters, one of which served with him during WWII. I have some of the correspondence they would send to each other during that time & it is something I will cherish forever for it teaches me the fundamental lesson that is - Connection to the ones we Love is key to our mental health survival.

The life I lead now is to honour and uphold those values that have long been imprinted in my psyche, and as I continue advocating for mental health and addiction recovery it is with pride that I remember exactly where I came from & how my Grandaddy fought a long war battle to ensure I was living this life I am right now.

Lest We Forget