A Community Pulling Together
One of the things I really like about living in a rural community is the way people pull together when times are tough. Say what you will about sporting groups and the amount of time and commitment required when you’re involved. The thing is, when the chips are down, you know they’ll be around.
Last night, Farmboy headed off to Tuesday night training. That’s not a normal event for him. The A-grade footballers train twice a week. Tuesday nights and Thursday nights. The rest of us train Thursday nights. So, as a B-grader, he doesn’t generally bother with the second night of training.
However, last night was different. Having lost one of the A-graders in a car accident over the weekend, the club organised a get-together to happen after football training last night. Several other clubs in the district came along to show their support and they ended up with 4 rural counsellors in attendance. The turn out was evidence that the good old “country grapevine” is alive and kicking and can play a positive role in the community.
A free meal was provided and there were a couple of counsellors that spoke, addressing the issues of grief and highlighting the people that are around to talk things through with.
Mostly though, it was about mateship. Being together. Breaking down any walls that might imply the subject is “taboo”. Showing support when you feel helpless to really “do” anything.
Daniel’s parents were there.
The mate in the accident with him was there.
Both of these surprised me and yet, it makes sense. How special to see all these people gathering together to show how much they care. How much he’ll be missed.
And so, the healing process begins.
I can’t help but feel really proud of the club we belong to.
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It was pretty amazing from what I’ve heard. I’m blown away by the fact that boys from other clubs came out and trained together. We may be rivals on the field but it shows that we are a whole community when it counts.
It sounds like you live in a wonderful community! One of the benefits of a small town. I hope the young mans parents felt comforted by the presence of so many people and I hope that everyone was able to help each other grieve.