The power of "sorry"

Last day in Canberra today (Saturday 23/3/13), it has been a great break.

Being at Thursday's national apology for forced adoptions was something really special.

I don't know that I can deftly describe the feeling of being with a large group of people who have a variation of your own journey written on their souls... it was amazing. At home amongst all those sister strangers. There were tears, snatches of conversations about unique lives all somehow marked by the same wounds murmuring all around, a few jeers (nice work Tone), heartfelt applause, and lots of moments of relief and maybe even a few heavy, heavy loads being laid down as people were told by the PM, we finally hear you, we see you, we are sorry we abandoned you in your most vulnerable moment, we will help you to gain some semblance of healing... breathtaking stuff.

And Canberra may have more than the usual population of power-hungry loons, but the city is beautiful, elegantly laid out and offers more than you could possibly imbibe, enjoy and marvel at in five days.

I'll definitely be back.

And Julia, when history records your time as Prime Minister, Thursday 21/3/13 won't be remembered by those present in the Great Hall as the attempted spilling of political power - but as a day when we came together, spilled tears and stories over a shameful past, tears over losses unknown, tears with the power to heal as they fall, and that makes it a day I will never forget.

Bringing things into the light... never too late, and so powerful.

For Andrea.

Hump Day in sunny Canberra

Fantastic night's sleep set me up for a great day out and about in Canberra. Blue skies, light breeze, 25 - perfection!
Decided to start at the National Museum to see the 'Glorious Days' exhibition. Really great - so interesting to see Australian life 100 years ago - the cars, sports, fashion and political landscape - definitely worth the $10 entry. Friendly staff, great building, enjoyed lunch on the beautiful deck where I lingered over my meal and the view of Parliament House.
Option anxiety then set in and I couldn't decide what to see next - so much great stuff on in this city and 90% of it free. Ended up choosing the National Archives to see 'Design 29' - an exhibition of the winning bid to design Canberra. Good but not as good as I expected it to be. There was a bid that included a mental asylum - prophetic planning given some of our politicians' behaviour at Question Time!? Their cafe, 'Banned', was a treat - saucy banned books and the govt papers barely discussing their debauchery. Read some raunchy gay & drug addict fiction while enjoying a Coke... the drink people!!
Bus home, snack, my next decision; what to do for dinner.
Loving this city so far.

Can-can-Canberra

Sitting in the airport departure gate - more than an hour early (name that personality type - anyone??) and really looking forward a holiday to the nation's capital for the first time.

Will probably post a bit about my trip during the week, and how it is to be at Parliament House on Thursday for a deeply emotional apology by the govt regarding past forced adoption practices.

But first, an overpriced coffee!

Up, up and away.....


PS That dream job I had - goneski. Unceremoniously made redundant on Friday, so that's doing wonders for my holiday budget! While trying to take the high road, I hope they'll regret it. I rocked!