Your Page: Readers’ emails and letters.
THE ARRIVAL OF RAIN INSPIRES A TEENAGER TO WRITE TO US WHILE ANOTHER READER IS DELIGHTED TO FIND INSPIRATION IN FASHION DESIGNER MEGAN PARK’S CHILDHOOD STORY.
STAY STRONG
The letters featured in February’s ‘Your Page’ really tugged at my heartstrings — Australia is hurting and suffering as a result of the ravages of drought, fire, and now floods. Mother Nature is so clever but can be a cruel and ruthless old lady. She will continue to throw challenges at our great nation however, as many of the letters confirmed, she will not break it — Australia is tough and when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
But it was Lorraine’s letter that literally broke my heart. I hope and pray that the remainder of her journey is speedy so that her family can finally move into their “charming old weatherboard home”.
Lyn Hardie, Burpengary East, Queensland
RAIN AGAIN
I grab my hat, pull on my boots and think about what the day will hold. I greet my chooks who are eagerly waiting for me to let them out. This is something I do most mornings, especially in the school holidays, and what my younger brother and I thrive on — being at home and helping our dad. But this morning is different, the grass is thick with dew, the air is fresh and cool. Life has been brought into our little valley hidden away from so many.
After a long, dry spell, the rain that every farmer has prayed for has finally fallen, leaving in its path hope and joy. For our newest edition, a gangly foal, it’s the first time he has experienced rain. How strange it must feel on his back not knowing the exact significance of what he is trying to escape.
Walking through the wet grass and watching the water fly off the dogs as they dart around reminds us of why we love what we do and where we live. It’s the small things that make the biggest impact.
Sarah Nairne, Yarrowitch, NSW
WINNER FASHION STATEMENT
Thank you for the inspirational story on Megan Park in your February edition. My husband and I live on a farm with our 13-year-old labrador Walter, a few cows and our much-loved garden. And I am a grandmother of eight — seven boys and one girl, 12-year-old Amaya. They all enjoy coming here.
Amaya’s passion is craft — knitting, sewing, cross-stitch or painting. She never uses a pattern and when asked why the answer was: “I love a blank canvas, Nanna. I can see what I want to make in my mind and then I go for it.”
Megan’s story was a delight. It reinforced that one doesn’t have to be a conformist and that it’s okay to be an individual, while keeping a considerate, kind and loving approach to life and the people we meet. Thank you, Megan. I have given my issue to Amaya — perhaps one day she might write to you for advice as you did Maggie Tabberer! Kaye Dorian, Neerim South, Victoria