Falling through the cracks !

This week the media presented a story that made many Sydney people feel uncomfortable.   This is a rich, cosmopolitan world city and we tend to ignore those fringe dwellers that exist in the shadows.   It came as a shock when a thirty-nine year old woman who used to work in a nursing home was discovered by police living rough in parkland - with agonising acid burns to her face and body.

As the story of " Monica " unfolded we learned that she was a well known identity in Parramatta, Cabramatta and Green Valley.    A mother of three, she was separated from her husband - who cares for the children - and often begged for money at the railways station.   Dozens of residents remembered her kindly as a pleasant person who they were glad to help with small change, food and life's necessities.  She sometimes found shelter at refuges, but she never stayed long and some people remember letting her charge her mobile phone at their homes, to allow her to keep contact with her children.

Why a pleasant, friendly woman who was a threat to nobody chose to live life as a homeless person remains a mystery, as is the circumstances that resulted in acid burning her face and body.   She is now in hospital receiving treatment and the publicity this case has received ensures that a dozen welfare agencies will converge and try to give help the moment she is released.

This story stirs a range of emotions.   We often look no further than the bright lights and hospitable Sydney scenes of this great city and choose to ignore the fringe dwellers that exist out there in the shadows.   We pretend that sort of thing only happens in the slums of third world countries and we quickly look the other way if it unexpectedly comes to our notice.

It seems that a lot depends on the attitude and appearance of those who have " fallen through the cracks " of society as to how we react.    We shun those who appear menacing or disgust us with their mode of dress and presentation.   We leave that to the welfare bodies that prowl the city underworld and run soup kitchens.
We appease our conscience by donating a few dollars to the Salvos from time to time  - and feel that we have done our share towards helping solve the " homeless " problem !

It is refreshing to learn that Monica received kindness and help from a lot of ordinary people who chose to interact with her, give her money or clothes and let her use their home to charge her mobile phone.  Many of them will wish they had done more and are appalled to think that she hid the ravages of that acid attack from them.

This media revelation will prick a few more consciences.  Perhaps a few more people will put their hand in their pocket and make a small donation to one of the various charities.  Perhaps it will result in a more kindly attitude to those sleeping rough in the local park.

If nothing else, it will be a reminder to many that fate can take some very devious twists - and perhaps one day that unfortunate person may be someone close to you !