Open line: readers’ letters
Send your letters to Open Line, The Australian Women’s Weekly, GPO Box 4178, Sydney, NSW 2001, or email openline@bauer-media.com.au.
Letter of the month
I sit here with my mum in palliative care, in her final days of her life. The Weekly is on her table. This magazine has always been there through Mum’s circle of life – marriages, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, divorces, birthdays, happy and sad days.
Mum loved her Weekly and had it delivered by our newsagency for as long as I can remember. We, too, have shared in stories from the royals, world events, people’s journeys, celebrities, recipes, humour and, Mum’s favourite, the crosswords. We have watched it go from a weekly to a monthly. Mum wrote a few stories in 1967, one on “rearing kids”, and had them published, so we think we had a very famous mum. I always think fondly of Mum when the new edition comes out and certainly will continue buying my copy. Mary-Ann Flynn, Millmerran, Qld.
Stay strong, Sally
The day will come, Sally Faulkner, when your beautiful children will be able to make their own choices. ( He’s circumcised our son and didn’t ask: Sally Faulkner speaks out, aww.com.au). Their first choice will be to be held in their mother’s arms again. They will come to understand that their father denied them their mother; children need both parents in their lives. What is most important is your children know how much you love them. Always keep fighting, stay strong and never give up! Josie, via Facebook.
The circumcision debate
Yes, circumcision is very normal. My mum had my now 41-year-old brother done in King George hospital, Sydney, at only three days old, and my 65-year-old father was also done as a baby. Who are both Australian. It’s cleaner and helps [bring about] less infections. Sally, via Facebook.
Making it work
I am a Middle-Eastern woman and my husband is Aussie. When we met years ago, we spoke about everything and how we can make us work. We have three kids and our children are being raised equally exposed to both cultures and beliefs, food and life, and also family. I don’t understand how Sally Faulkner can be in a relationship, have kids, and has no clue about him or his culture and life. Lizza, via Facebook.
Touched and inspired
Linda Burney (“I’m a fantastic survivor”, AWW,
December), what a beautiful woman you are, with so much strength and compassion. I recently lost my husband and love of my life seven weeks ago. I decided in that moment I needed to celebrate our many happy times and to look forward to the future with my daughter, nine, and son, six. Your grace is contagious and motivates me to continue to live my life to the fullest. A. Batbagallo, Tamarama, NSW.
Oh, Christmas tree!
I reaPd Amanda Blair’s column with interest ( Why plastic is fantastic, AWW, December). We lived on a farm, so the nearest tree to the house was decorated with home-made decorations. As for presents, you had to look for them in the paddocks. I have a suggestion for next year – decorate a tree in your yard and have your children make decorations. They will learn there is only one present money cannot buy. Family. P. Morutto, via email.