Hi guys, long time no type. I have been desperately wanting to get back here but haven't been able to.
Today was the Fathers day stall at two of my childrens school. As always my beautiful wife was there with bells on wanting to help. Her being there meant that our Miss Two year old would be floating around the hall looking for mischief to get into while mummy worked and with the morning being so quiet at work I decided to wander over and help keep our daughter in check.
It wasn't long before I found myself helping with the stall. Looking at the kids going through the tables of pressies for something special to give to dad was a sight to behold. It was a joy to see the excitement and to hear the conversations between them as they went about it all.
The rules for the stall were as follows. The children had to bring a gift in to put on the stall and also bring some money to purchase something off the stall for their dad. The ladies of the P&C and some other volunteers would then wrap them and help escort the kids back to class.
It was brought to our attention that when the kindy class was called out to come to the stall that a small number of them did not bring gifts and were very distressed when told that they could come out and purchase a present. Some were even crying.
It wasn't long before the ladies and the other volunteers organised enough extra presents for the kindy kids to all get one for their dads.
The little boy who picked up the last present appeared to be very quiet and a little uncertain so when he walked up to my wife to get it wrapped I walked up and said " Do you think your dad will like that one mate" He replied quietly "I hope so, I don't know if I'll see my dad, he's in tasmania or somewhere" My wife turned to him and told him that his dad would love that present even if he didn't get the chance to get it this fathers day and that she was sure his dad was missing him just as much as he missed his dad. He smiled briefly before turning around and heading back to class.
As he walked away I felt a tear roll down my face. I looked at my wife and she was crying. I wondered all day about that little boy. Why didn't his mum give him a gift for the stall. Where was his dad. I know too well how endless the possibilities in this childs situation can be.
I often think to myself how wrong the injustices are in my life. I've been luckier than some.
I wont forget that little boy for a long time.

Hang in there
Chris