As we move forward in our lives, we begin to think about so much. Our ancestors stood strong in the face of diversity.
Journeys.
As some of you would know, I wrote a series about the journeys my ancestors took from Europe, mostly the UK, to Queensland. Think about the climate: from one extreme in the Northern Hemisphere to another extreme in the Southern Hemisphere. They all left the security of their homeland to another place, to call home…
Freedom.
Back in 1995, I was living in the UK. A song, “A Place to Call Home”, sung by Joey Tempest came on the scene. At the time, none of this made any sense to me. I now look at this song, 31 years later and the words in the first verse hit me like a ton of bricks…
“I was out the front door like nothing was lost, wanted my freedom no matter what the cost”
This was me in 1988. I didn’t know what I was looking for. Was it a place to call home? I left Australia and went to live in England.
My Life.
My life is like this song…
“Well, you travel the highways and you travel the world, when there ain’t much left you have seen or heard.”
The memories are all strong. I can only imagine my ancestors feeling the same way. Our stories collide. They came this way and I went back to where they came from.
What was I looking for? I still cannot answer this question. Even after 38 years. What I do know: I am a much stronger person. I tell it how it is. Some like it, some don’t. I’m not here to please. I’m here to tell my story – be it the good, the bad and the ugly.
Learnt.
What I have learnt. So much, is the answer. It’s about people, places, the wannabes, and those who just want to step away. Many people sit and stare – say nothing then complain. What’s all that about? These words from, “A Place to Call Home”, hit a note:
“It takes a whole lot of courage and a whole lot of pride.”
To be who I am. I am me!
Listen.
All my ancestors went through things that would have caused many to fail. They battled on. The things they experienced and endured, to the hatred in society as it still happens today.
Even as I write, people think they are above others. Lessons are learnt but do many listen?
Do you listen?
Research.
My many findings during my research doesn’t really surprise me. My readings found as I explored newspapers from years gone by, does not shock.
People seem to forget: the path for each and everyone of us, starts the same and ends the same, no matter who you are.
Aging.
As I age and come to know another decade is at my doorstep. This line tells me:
“When you look for independence and you get what you want”
My memories are worth more and when I look back, I can proudly answer a burning question: “What have I done?” I know. You know. We all know…
Time.
And so here I am, it’s time…
What I should have known…
It’s a place to call home…
Yes, it’s time to have a place to call home….
A huge thank you to Joey Temptest…
Explore and Discover.
Acknowledgements.
All photographs were created by ComfyUI using the text in the writing.
Joey Temptest “A Place to Call Home” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoayy1Kbbyc
Ancestor Family 
This piece I have written is moving… in many ways. I always wonder why words in one song have so much meaning and in others nothing. What is your favourite song and why is it so?
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