Oct 2000 Volume 81 Number 10
"serving the protectors"
| Oct 2000 Volume 81 Number 10 "serving the protectors" |
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Chaplaincy |
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| By David
Marr |
Strange things tragedies. They usually occur when you least expect them. They seem to affect us all differently, too, and have the capacity to disturb us deeply. It can be a life-changing event; one which can severely test our coping capacity and reactions, and even undermine our health and relationships.
Of course, away from it all, the strong-minded and robustly independent among us concur: “It couldn’t happen to me.” Amazing how some of us don’t allow ourselves the right to be normal and human. Because we have become skilled through experience in handling the tragedies and difficulties of others, we expect we should handle our own difficulties privately and unaided. Sometimes we are afraid to appear weak, or be seen to be struggling ourselves.
Memories can become a problem though. I’m always in trouble over the things I forget. Isn’t it marvellous. Things I wish to remember, I forget. Things I try to forget and put behind I remember and, at times, find haunting. It is difficult to understand memories.
I have been first on the scene of a couple of fatal accidents. In Victoria in the mid-’70s I observed a horrific accident where five people were killed. Three were young children. I still hear a young lad of about seven calling for his mother before he died. She was already dead. The sounds of crumpling metal as cars collide always stimulate this memory. That was 25 years ago. There have been a few unforgettable traumas since then, too.
We all have our different methods of seeking relief. I like to head for my boat with a couple of mates, or get out in the scrub near our old family home. There I find distraction and relief. It’s a spiritual thing really; and some old fashioned running away.
It’s difficult actually, because some people don’t believe in this trauma or stress stuff. Sometimes I don’t even feel like explaining what’s up, or how I feel. Maybe I don’t even know. My wife sometimes tells me: “It’s time you went to the boat for a while.” Strange thing, the ways of the mind.
I am familiar with St Paul’s words: “Fill your minds with things that are good, praiseworthy, true, pure, lovely and honourable and the God who gives us peace will be with you.” I must say there have been times when I thought that to be pure fantasy and totally unrealistic.
I have come to realize more than ever life is about choices. If I choose to allow obsessions, trauma and pride to rule my will and behaviour then the results may well control my ability to cope, my relationships and even my health. Conversely, If I choose to “put up my hand” or seek assistance then I can remain in control of my responses, emotions and aspects of life influencing my wellbeing and happiness. Even in trauma I can choose, unless I leave it too late. Others then may have to make choices for me. Those having been there now choose to renew their minds and discover a peace long absent.
I hope you can raise your hand for peace.
Welfare Section 58 David Marr
Senior Police Chaplain.8364 3567 Academy 8 Mark Thomas 8296 9616 Adelaide: Angas Street 158 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide: Hindley Street 62 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide Hills Division 54 Adrian Stephens 8398 2510
Office: 8398 2517Ceduna 214 Bob Borgas 8625 3503 Christies Beach 20 Vacant Clare 202 Michael Dutschke 8842 3681 Communications 172 David Hand 8376 5612 Elizabeth 52 Stephen Brooks 0418 840 739 Far North 210 John Folkman 8672 5011 Firearms/Records Dianna Bartlett 8337 8552 Focus 21 Richard Lawton 8362 4936 Gawler 52 Brian Tscharke 8522 2288 Glenelg 22 Malcolm Thomas 8377 0772 Henley Beach 18 Brenton Daulby 8443 8286 Holden Hill 44 Rod Dyson 8365 1170 Kadina 71 Vacant Kingston 208 Mount Gambier 208 Brian Ashworth (w) 8723 1353
(h) 8725 2537Murray Bridge 200 Malcolm Bottrill 8532 5536 Naracoorte 208 Bruce Cliff 8737 2457
0417 811 702Norwood 60 Lynton Wade 8362 2227
0418 831 703Nuriootpa 204 Andy Kowald 8562 1011 Port Adelaide 6 Jeff Oake 8341 5930 Port Pirie 206 Steve Ardill 8632 3977 Prosecution Services 176 Vacant Port Augusta PS 210 Vacant Port Lincoln 214 Vacant Riverland 212 Robin Zadow 8588 1540 Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal 8278 9578 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George 8395 9363 Thebarton Barracks 32 Joe Grealy 8338 3225 Transit Division Wayne Shepherd 8443 4895 Whyalla 218 Tony Redden 8649 3593
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