Grandparent's Day, and
Tears for Refugee Children in Refugee Prisons in Australia
Yesterday, Bet and I went as Grandparents to our grandchildren's school, for Grandparent's Day.
All grandparents and families gathered first of all for a concert in the school hall. We were treated. As you would expect, it was indeed a treat when these wonderful, bright-eyed and eager children gathered and performed. Grandparents and families strained to soak up and bask in the glory of their grandchild singing, dancing, reciting a poem, playing an instrument, just being there. Often, various ones of us would rise and seek a vantage point with camera in hand, determined to capture these treasured experiences so we could extend the pleasure at a later time. We marveled at the talents and promise of these wonderful children - "and they are only in primary school!!" The lump comes to your throat and you sit warmed and overcome with awe and pride.
�It was during the last item of the concert that I cried. Tears just filled my eyes and even through I fought hard not to be seen crying (for it is a very personal and private thing) I had to frequently lift my hand and wipe tears from my cheek. These marvelous children were singing a song that had been composed especially for this day for the grandparents. Even though the words were rather inappropriate, the music and the performance by the children evoked so powerfully that special relationship between a child and their grandparent. My tears were not for these children, or me and my grandchildren, for we continue to be affirmed and secure in our relationship. This event was a simple, public demonstration of family.
My tears were for the hundreds of children in refugee concentration camps (for that is what they are) in Australia. These children are children too, with all the innocence, all the vulnerabilities, all the needs of the children I saw before me at Grandparent's Day. But these children are deemed different - by our government via their Act of Parliament. They are imprisoned, impoverished, brutalized and treated to a constant barrage of abuse, all delivered at great cost, by this - our government!!! Hundreds of children of all ages - indefinite imprisonment. Where is their Grandparent's Day? Where is their school? Where are their attentive teachers? Where are their proud achievements and loving Grandparents? Where are their eager, bright eyes, glowing with pleasure?
I keep crying for them. Graham Weule. 20 March, 2002