A Glass Full of Water

In Raglan, we have a (free) public pantry that sits under the shade of a massive pohutukawa tree. Locals and visitors give and take away from it. It is a respected and shared space that works to help people. A kind and practical local resident regularly keeps donated items tidy, ordered and restocked. She  is such a giver to our community, as are some local businesses that drop off canned and fresh food, vegetables and bread. Walking past this morning I noticed fresh corn, new potatoes and cucumbers. Yummers! Food items don’t stay for very long and are often gone within the hour. Other donated items include books, surplus kitchen stuff, toys, shoes, blankets… anything and everything for everyone. At times we have seen items and produce being carried to the pantry snaffled up before they even reach the shelves.  Another bonus is seeing and often being a part of friendly conversations near the adjacent footpath. A local builder generously made and donated an additional structure...

While out walking and chatting with my brother Chris in Auckland, we came across a woman lying in the gutter in front of us. She was moaning and clutching a bottle. A few people ahead of us had taken a wide berth around her. She was lying in her own vomit in the gutter for goodness sake! You can’t get much more desperate than that.  Chris and I looked at each other. Leaving her there was not an option. We urgently requested an ambulance. Wonderful things mobile phones. Within a few minutes, the reassuring siren sound could be heard.  The woman was now more coherent, mumbling a few words. And all the while people continued to stop and stare. One person remarked that he had seen her there before. So? No one deserves to be left in such a state and place.  The paramedics knew her name and were so good with her. With the patient loaded on board, the ambulance slowly left, probably to return again. Chris asked, “Why did you stop?” I replied. “What if that woman was our mum?”...