GRACEFUL MONARCH Open line
LETTER of the MONTH
An article I read has brought up memories of abuse that I have hidden for so many years (The Devil Inside, AWW, July). It broke my heart, for I know exactly what she was feeling and experiencing. Many females have experienced abuse and yet we hide it, because we think we are to blame for our partners’ moods. If more women come forward to talk about it, we can help others. Name and address withheld
Thank you, Juliet Rieden, for the excellent article about our gracious Queen (Secrets of her Reign, AWW, July). While Her Majesty was “born into privilege”, she was given little choice for the demanding lifetime job she had to take on. The Queen is recognised for her unwavering adherence to duty and has fulfilled the role of monarch with diligence, grace and dignity. J. Bingle, via email
A TREACHEROUS ROAD
Melissa McGuinness’s article left me a sobbing mess (“Don’t Do This To
Your Family”, AWW, July). Two of my children are on the road, one having just obtained his Ps. As I write this, he’s driving to a mate’s house and all Iwant to do is scream and beg him to come home. The anxiety I have with our children on the dangerous roads is compounded by the silliness of teenage-hood, and squeezes my stomach. My heart goes out to Melissa and Peter, as well as the families of the victims of this totally avoidable accident. The work Melissa is doing is so important. I felt your words to the bottom of my soul. I’m going to approach my boys’ school to invite you to speak.
From one mother to another, thank you. O. Patton, via email
MODEL CITIZENS
How wonderful to read about Mariam Issa, a refugee from Somalia (In Brief, AWW, June). It was inspiring to hear how she overcame extreme adversity to create a life in Australia through will and determination. She is an example of how refugees have become positive contributors to our society and we are the better for their being among us. M. Arnot, Brooklet, NSW
WRITE to us
Letter of the Month wins $100.
The winner of our Pearl of Wisdom this month wins a 12-month subscription to The Australian Women’s Weekly, valued at $90. Your postal address must be included in all correspondence. Please state clearly if your letter is not for publication. See Contents for the location of Bauer Media Ltd’s Privacy Notice. “We can be resentful of our age or we can be grateful for having attained it.” – WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD D. K. K. Munasinghe, Mount Cotton, Qld
WALKING TOGETHER
Thank you for publishing the Uluru Statement from the Heart (In Brief, AWW, July). It is a marvellous document and I hope Australians take up the invitation to “walk with Indigenous Australians” for a better future. C. Wilson, Lyneham, ACT