A Glass Full of Water

Val and I own and live in a 55 square metre house. We have invested a lot of time and money into our ‘little slice of paradise’, but much more than that, our investment focus has actually been on people.  Let me explain. Our focus is based on mutual 3r’s - Relationship, Respect and Rapport. Our builder has been employed on a part time/availability of funds basis over the past four years as our house and grounds renovator. (Three other DIY handymen have also worked hard and successfully on our various property projects - thank you). Val and I saw potential in our builder after he showed us a bed he had made. We asked him ‘across the fence’ if he would like to work on our house. A simple “Yes!” was the reply. We didn’t have a formal contract then and still don’t. Our handshake deal was binding. He has proved to be a talented builder, plasterer, tiler, landscaper and roofer.  Hard earned miracles were performed on the house and grounds that had an interesting history and very few...

I’m reading a book ‘Belonging’ by Owen Eastwood (2021). Owen has Irish and Māori descendants. He has a wonderfully considered understanding of whakapapa (genealogy) which means the tracing of lines of inheritance from our ancestors/descendants - it is also about our links to the land (whenua) and our connections to people and our relationships with them. But what if we don’t belong for a time? In my career in education spanning 45 years, I’ve experienced a workplace where I was ostracised, maligned and sidelined. This has possibly happened to you. I was also micromanaged and bullied. Highly stressed and feeling a failure, Val would watch me leave for work and worry about my wellbeing. Not anymore. Without the unwavering support and encouragement of a number of colleagues, Val’s unconditional love and knowing that I was safe and secure with family and friends then I’m not sure where I would be today.  Today I belong. I believe in myself, my ideas and know I am worthy. I’m part of so...

Through tears, Holly Robinson representing Aotearoa/ New Zealand said, “I’m proud of me” during an interview following her sixth placing in the Javelin at the Paris Paralympic Games. Her words beautifully summed up the attitude of other competitors at these games that finished a few days ago.  Interestingly, I also noticed an absence of strutting, preening and posturing as seen at the recent  Olympic Games. You could see and sense a different, kinder, happier spirit and atmosphere - still just as competitive but egos in check as humility ruled.  I loved the way the cameras stayed on the last place getter until they finished. Matthew Britz a kiwi competitor in the Table tennis commented, “I am walking amongst our people.” He added, “No one judges us” and it was a bit of an ‘awhhh’ moment as we witnessed the longest hug ever between Danielle Aitchison (NZ) and Shi Yiting the Chinese winner of the 100 metre final.  New PB’s were achieved and world records set. Yet, winn...

Broken bottle heads concreted into the walls surrounding the compound got me thinking…Is this a safe place? The RATA education aid team from Aotearoa/NewZealand was about to begin our short term stay, working in slum schools in Accra. Val and I had very little sleep that first night as we along with the rest of the team were ‘wired and tired’. Early in the morning I noticed the sound of someone repeatedly walking past our bedroom window.  A tad worried I partially opened the blinds to see (with an outside light on) an old man shuffling past. As it turned out my temporary confusion was soon swallowed up in exhausted sleep.  Breakfast was devoured later that morning, then time for a walk around the grounds. Noting a sentry like box at the entrance I recognised and approached the old man I’d seen the previous night. He warmly greeted me. “Akwaaba” (Welcome). We shook hands and smiled at each other.  He was the Night Watchman. A guard. Someone who looked out for us and kept u...