You may say I’m a dreamer… I hope I’m not the only one!

Our lives become clouded and burdened by the unconscionable misdeeds of others. There seems to be more evil deeds these days than in bygone years. Perhaps it’s because I’m an oldie, and that’s what we “oldies” are supposed to say.

I’ve never wanted to be categorized.  I don’t believe it’s because I’m growing older I feel this way. The behaviour of some in our society has always annoyed me no end!  Disturbingly, respect for others appears to be classed by many nowadays as being old-fashioned. Discipline, as well as respect is scoffed at; it’s not heeded, nor accepted by the ignorant amongst us. I imagine discipline is a word unable to be spelled/spelt (depending on what school you attended) correctly by a good percentage of those who choose to ignore its existence. If they don’t understand its meaning, the ability to spell it correctly would be lacking!

Often I tear my hair out in frustration.  It’s a miracle I have any left; and then, I see an inspiring interview on TV, or I’m excited and inspired from reading a motivational story about the human spirit and will to be.

Take chef, Matt Golinski, for instance. Matt lost his wife and his three beautiful young daughters in the tragic house fire at Tewantin, Christmas 2011.  I wouldn’t dare be so pretentious or presumptuous to even try to imagine the pain he’s suffered and still is suffering from his burns; or the emotional and mental trauma he endures. Witnessing the strength of character and purpose he displays after everything he has gone through, and all he’ll continue to bear for the rest of his life has to encourage one to be a better person; I know it does me.  I question, however, if I have the fortitude within that Matt Golinski has.

Thursday, 25^th April, 2013 is ANZAC Day.

It’s the day we remember our brave men and women of the Armed Forces; those who lost their lives or were injured and maimed in the many dangerous campaigns across various fields of war and in peace-keeping operations across the world and throughout the years since the dark days of World War l.  It should be second nature for us to respect and remember these brave people, past, present and future…every single day of the year.

The sacrifices made; the lives lost and injuries sustained; and sacrifices that will, unfortunately, continue being made; we must never, ever forget! We must remember to give thanks to the families and loved ones left behind, too, for all that they have relinquished; lost sons, daughters, husbands, fathers, brothers and sisters et al.

It’s our duty to empathise the sorrow, loss and unimaginable fear they experience day after day; year after year.

What ANZAC Day represents goes beyond the anniversary of the horrors of the ill-fated Gallipoli landing in 1915 – what ANZAC Day represents will continue long after 25^th April, 2013 has passed – because man never learns from his mistakes. Arrogantly, humans perpetrate the same stupidity over and over again; the madness continues.  Megalomaniacs keep popping up with their delusional fantasies of power.

If only the spirit of ANZAC remained uppermost in human conduct at all times; not only here in Australia, but throughout the rest of the world, as well.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everybody recognised the relevance of mateship; made courage of character their personal aim; held self-respect and dignity uppermost in their mind; respected others, and didn’t indulge in misguided conceit, ignorance, envy and hubris?

Imagine the world if everyone incorporated these values into their daily lives!

LEST WE FORGET…