Lest We Forget
In February 1995, I decided to join the military and follow in my grandfather's footsteps of serving in the Australian Army. During my 13 weeks at Kapooka, my grandad patiently wrote to me each week, often including little treats to lift my spirits. Now, I understand so much more about why he did that and why it was so important to him to go out of his way to give me extra support and gifts of love during what he knew was one of the biggest challenges in my life. My grandad knew exactly what it took for me to get there.
My grandad's firsthand experience of being in the trenches of war and the feeling of hope when a package from home would arrive often shone through in the many ways he showed love for his family. My grandad was incredibly close to his sisters, one of whom served with him during World War II. I have some correspondence they sent each other during that time, which I will cherish forever. It teaches me that 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. As I continue advocating for mental health and addiction recovery, it is with pride that I remember exactly where I came from and how my grandad fought a long battle to ensure I am living the life I am right now.