| 09 October 2009
It was with uncomfortable synchronicity that on Friday 28th August 2009, while I was doing an interview with Zenith Virago in preparation for the article: Become Conscious through Death & Dying (see article posted in Intergate/Wellbeing) the tragedy at Mullumbimby High School occurred. I was personally dismayed and professionally disturbed by the way the media instantly and ferociously pounced with so many distorted stories.
Sensationalised headlines, and invalidated versions circulated quickly, and then in ollowing days—weeks, so many ‘he said/she said’ conversations surrounded me wherever I went, especially in Mullumbimby which is the closest town to where I live.The media used elaborate editing techniques and loaded bodies of text to forge political positions—unqualified facts constructed reports that negatively represented our youth, our community and our schools—not only nationally but internationally too this story was thrashed and twisted by relentless journalists. Mullumbimby High School and our kids were depicted as a dangerous . . . and the sensitive space of Jai’s grieving family and friends was unnecessary trampled.
It is known to be true that the pen is mightier than the sword… words cemented in ink will continue through time, stimulating conversations and attitudes that can often be far, far from the original truth.
So the yellow balloon on the cover of this the Oct/Nov 09 issue is in honour of Jai’s spirit flying free, and in recognition of the incredible community spirit that does exist in our region. I drove to Byron Bay on September 5th, the day of Jai’s colourful and creative memorial, and balloons floated from letter boxes everywhere, from business shop fronts, off fence posts and power poles, and not just in Mullumbimby—all the way through to Byron balloons danced in the gentle breeze that caressed the sacredness of that day, when people were gathering together to celebrate the life and loss of young Jai Morcom. This simple act by so many bought me to tears; tears of sadness and tears of gratitude that our community really does care.
Personally, I have come to consider death as act of expansion, the moment when spirit is released from the constraints of the body, to become immersed in the ever-when of all existence. It could be described as another beginning rather than the end—the unknowable journey that propels the mystery of life into the realms of timeless-space. For those left behind there is loss, and in the empty space cherished memories will hopefully begin to gather and create a healing balm to ease the gaping ache.
Around this same period we lost another well-loved member of our community, Caroline Pitt, who operated the Thai@Byron restaurant in Byron. I received an email from a woman unknown to me—her heart-felt words and appreciation of Caroline touched me deeply, and I wasn’t sure why she sent it to Injoy, so I responded to Angela’s email, asking her if she had sent it to be published… and this was her response: I just had to write and express my feelings about Caroline’s passing. I didn’t know why or how or where it would take me I just knew I had to write it all down. I sent it out to share my heart and my experience. I am so glad you will print it for your Oct/Nov issue. I am deeply touched and feel seen and appreciated. This makes me very happy that my writing may touch others and we can all grow as a result. Very happy, thank you. Bless you, Love Angela, resident of Byron Bay.
Thank you to all the advertisers who make this possible, and to everyone who contributes and has the courage to share themselves Injoy. Relish in every blessed moment you have to love and share the miracle of life, Bhadrena
