Look for the helpers

The event that has changed our nation on Sunday night will leave a mark on us all in Australia. It was an attack that is not the Australian way and has hurt our people. It will forever change us but if we look closely, we can find lessons too.

My instant reaction as I randomly turned on the news, was one of gut-wrenching disbelief. “No! This is not what happens here!”

Because it is not. We don’t do this in Australia. We don’t do this to our people. We don’t inflict hate like this on our citizens and guests.

It is not the Australian way. It is not my Australian way.

We all have a place here. And while the acknowledgement of our history needs clarification and there are things we can do better, we are a haven people come to when they are escaping the type of violence that occurred on Sunday. We still ARE that country and must not let the hate shift our focus from continuing to be good humans and a safe place to live.

In times of crisis, we should look for the helpers. If you look for the helpers in this incident, you will find so many that restore your faith in what it is to live in Australia.

From Ahmed who risked his own safety to tackle one gunman free of his rifle and then got shot in the process. Jess, who covered a child with her body as protection, whilst searching for her own child. Boris and Sofia who were the first to try and stop the gunmen and lost their lives as a result. Reuven who threw bricks at the gunman and lost his life defending others. To the lifeguard who ran bare feet from the next beach with a defibrillator. The first responders, police and so many others are the ‘helpers’ we can see in our community. The people who stepped up and ran towards the bullets to save others. These people are our community. These people are from all faiths, walks of life and are what makes Australia the great country where this does not normally happen.

The solace my spirit receives from the knowledge of all these helpers being what makes my Australia great, is immense. Good people. Good humans. Helpers.

In my own village I am blessed with many helpers. Those that run towards the problems and offer help, support, solutions and uplifting guidance. My recent breast cancer diagnosis has meant my family and I are going to need all these helpers we can call upon at various times. We are blessed with family and friends who step up and pitch in. We are incredibly grateful for these people.

Meal deliveries, Christmas Shopping, school books and uniform arranging, uplifting bunches of flowers, gift packs, pamper packs, uber eats deliveries, sitting with me while I receive treatment, weekly songs sent through, checking in on my husband, babysitting, hugs, love, laughter and support. It is all coming to us from our helpers. Family and friends. At times they don’t know how to help best and to be honest, neither do I. But we work it out and it is because of the love of my village, that I am not afraid to ask.

In speaking with one cousin of which I am blessed to have many, I was reminded that this village exists because I love hard. I am a helper in my own right and this love is coming back to me in our time of need. This was a proud moment as I sat in that truth. We have created this community with our values and have attracted those that share the same. Much like our country. We create and live these values and this creates a much sought after lifestyle.

The helpers are where the values are at. The helpers are the true representation of our country. It is the helpers that uphold the values and are the people we should shine the light on right now. The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah that was being enjoyed on Sunday night was one of light. Let’s continue to shine the light on the good people. The good humans of all faiths and walks of life.

The helpers.