When I was 11 going on 12 I had a paper run.
The run involved selling papers
along the streets of Yennora.
It was one of the poorer suburbs of Sydney.
The year was 1963.
I finished the run about midday and started
walking home. My pay was a 10 shilling note.
As I was walking home I heard Bruce Smith
calling for help.
Bruce sat next to me in school.
He had polio and was crippled.
His left arm was deformed and he wore metal
braces on his legs.
He was screaming for help because three boys
were teasing him along the street.
They were pushing him and poking him.
He was clearly in distress.
i stood there unable to help.
I had no idea what to do. I felt like a coward.
The gang pushed Bruce into the ground and left him there.
I made a discovery that day that haunts me even now.
I discovered the horrifying truth
that life has to be shared with other people.
-
Author:
David Wakeling (
Offline) - Published: April 5th, 2023 02:53
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 15
Offline)
Comments5
The lesson you learned that day is a valuable one. Life is indeed meant to be shared with others, and it's up to us to make it a positive and uplifting experience for everyone. While we may not always know what to do in the moment, we can strive to be there for others and to stand up against injustice whenever we can. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us of the importance of empathy and compassion.
Indeed well said.Thank you for reading
As children we often 'live inside' our heads until the bubble is burst, this particular event traumatic for both Bruce and the young D.W. A shared life, an often belated truth and also something espoused by the descriptive 'commonwealth.'
Thank you fort he wise comment
In life your gain experience in many ways, experience cannot be taught.
Andy
Thats so true
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