Thanking our heroes

Today as we remember the heroes that have sacrificed their lives and the defence force personal who continue to serve so that we can live in the lifestyle we are accustomed too, I'm reminded by daily events that I need to remind my children to be careful and this saddens me.

Not to be careful of the day to day falling off their bike, getting a bee sting or crossing the road, but I have to warn my children that the streets aren't safe and that some people who you meet cant be trusted and want to do you harm. They have to learn to be alert and know if something doesn't feel right or look right, then they should say no.

Media in forms of newspapers or television reports makes me question things that just dont sit right in the pit of my stomach. A society that shakes it head at the sound of another distressing story of yet another child, abducted, beaten or murdered by their parents or person. A report that knew that child was in danger but people were too scared to stand up and fight for that child. A person who had a deep gut feeling that they knew that something was wrong but felt it better not to rock to boat for fear of consequences.

As I hear about the William Tyrell who went missing in his Spiderman costume and know that he is still missing. I can only imagine how much anguish his parents must be going through. Or read about Daniel Morcombe's parents and their fight to never give up finding their son, no matter how hard to road might be. And now they face the prospect of this monster, who killed their son, appealing......this to me is unconscionable that a person who is guilty can use the justice system, but has no remorse for what he has done.

Its hard to teach your children not to trust, when they trust you. Its hard to teach them to question everything, or every action of someone who is kind hearted and helpful. Its a double edge sword......making them aware but also not scaring them.

What a world we live in.

Im saddened by today's sentences for people who commit heinous crimes and wonder in my own mind, if that were my child, would I be so tolerant. Would I be so accepting of a justice system that seems to let the perpetrator not the victim have more rights.

It makes you aware that as a parent you can try and teach your child as much as you can, but utmost it comes down to the other people they meet in their lives and hope that they too have been bought up with the same ethics and understandings as you are teaching your children.

I guess as a IM, I cant control this, and yes it saddens me, but I teach my kids as best as I can. I make them aware but not wrap them in bubble wrap. I help them make strong decisions that they can stand behind.

I am happy with how my children have been raised, and for this I am forever grateful for the heroes of today for giving me that chance. I know that in a different time or country that I might not have even had the opportunity to bring well mannered, honourable and loving children into this world.