A Hug is All You Need - this weeks visit to Inverbrackie Detention Centre: I was sitting with 3 little girls. Id brought chalk & we were drawing on the large concrete base of one of the fixed benches in the outdoor visit area. Writing our names. Drawing fairy wands, trees, bananas, & hearts (them, not me). The girls draped themselves over me, & clung on to my back. Ever on the move. I gave a piggy-back to the smallest light-weight Tamil girl. Nearby walked a mother & little boy. She was very pregnant, wearing only a short, worn cotton tshirt, stretched to the limit over black tights. For modest Tamil ladies whose culture is very conservative, this was clearly embarrassing. Serco don’t supply maternity wear. I guessed she’s probably flown over from Christmas Island to have her baby. They’ll be returned a few weeks after the birth. At Inverbrackie “camp” there are over 30 women subject to this bizarre & cruel roundabout. I wondered if her husband was with her. Many husbands remain on Christmas Island. The expectant ladies grieve & worry. Some are re-united when husbands arrive later. The boy was very cute, maybe 4 years old. He sidled over & stood close to me, watching the little artists. I sat down as the girls chattered noisily & pointed at their drawings. I did not notice him until he slipped his little arm through mine, & leaned in. For a hug. Several hugs, actually. One benefit of looking like everyone’s ammama (nana) is that I get to hug & kiss almost everyone.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:29:44 +0000
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