I work for the Salvation Army. I have been tasked with doing a short piece each month in the newsletter. I wanted to meet with certain groups that meet weekly and people within the corps to get their story and have a chat with them. I wanted to share it with the rest of the corps in an attempt to reconnect with each other.
It seems strange to me that a person could sit beside say a coworker everyday for years but know nothing about them. So earlier this week I wrote a short piece on my own story as I thought it might be a good way for everyone to get to know me before we meet up. I guess my boss liked it so much he asked me to read it on Sunday…. in front of people! Great! I quickly said yes and I will work on my nerves for the rest of the week.
I decided to write it in my usual blog format as that is comfortable for me. Plus I can read it straight from the sheet and not have to look up at all the quiet people staring at me. Why? To be honest I have a lot to say but I much prefer doing it this way. Public speaking is not my thing, everyone’s quiet and looking at me, not my kind of fun. But I’ve sucked it up and agreed. I have written it here as this is what I am going to read out. That way I can stair at the paper and pretend they are not all looking at me.
Here goes nothing;
It seems the more technology advances the further we get from human connection, or at least true human connection. Sometimes I feel people look at me as if I am strange because I’m interested in everyone. Some might say nosy? For me at least I learn a lot about people and how they work. I also find I learn a lot about myself at the same time.
I am originally from Redcliffe and my family had a lot to do with the (blank) Leagues Club. My grandfather was and was Chairman of the Board for both the football and leagues club for over 30 years. I grew up in Redcliffe and Brighton so this place is very much home to me.
I have a recent history of domestic and family violence and become estranged with my entire family who have chosen to side with my ex partner. Alone I have had an uphill struggle with family court and custody of my son Evan who is seven years old.
Out of every situation though does come a positive and had it not been for that I would not have started my own business Through The Looking Glass Mirrors. I rescue old casement windows and turn them into mirrors with custom designs in them. Earlier this year I started a blog called Diaries From Domestic Violence which began as a bit of therapy for me but now has over 2,000 followers and woman from all over the country and world reach out and let me know how much my honest and open approach has made them not feel so alone. I also came to work here and have met all of the lovely Salvation Army members.
Earlier this year my hero in red shoes, Major Keith Hampton found me crying outside Coles at Kippa Ring and offered me more than just assistance. He offered me the opportunity to work again which sadly I had put on the back burner due to my domestic violence issues. It has not been easy for poor Keith, saving this damsels in distress has not always been a glamorous one but never a dull moment. Although it has been an uphill battle, getting the opportunity to work again has made a massive difference in my life. I have always been very determined and loved working but over the last few years I had lost my confidence. Today I help out in the office a few days a week as well as work on my recovery.
Through the help I received from Major Keith Hampton and the Salvation Army Corps Redcliffe I have gained a new family in you all. The lovely Hewitt’s family, Barb, Ian and Rachel also have to be mentioned in this story as they have the pleasure of me adopting them as my new immediate family. They opened their home to a young mother of one struggling and homeless and I will forever be grateful. To them I want to say a massive thank you and I love you and unfortunately you are stuck with me now. Also Anne Redman who attends another fraction has become a wonderful ‘role mother’ to me in my life. I am completing the Positive Lifestyles Program through the Salvation Army with her which has also helped me make Positive change. She has offered me so much of her time and love which is invaluable to me and it is nice to know that someone cares.
That in a nut shell is my story and I cannot wait to get to know you all a little more through this space. In life shared experience is a wonderful thing and can greatly improve the way we live our lives. Even if you have been attending the Salvation Army Redcliffe Corps for years or it is your first day we all have a story and can learn from each other. Intern this can make us a little more understanding and connected with each other and can only be for the better in the long run.
DIARIES FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 