On Armistice Day (11/11/23) I had the remarkable privilege of taking our ever-expanding Gratitude Book to the Quaker Meeting in Brisbane. It was a wonder opportunity to Connect with Kindred Spirits in Silence, Listening, Empathy, and Shared Commitment.
To my immense joy, I soon realised that sitting there amongst us all was the remarkable Song Woman and wordsmith Aunty Delmae Barton shining her loving gentle smile towards all. I’d met that smile only two nights before when together with her equally remarkable son William Barton they (with others) presented Sky Songs: Apii Thatini Ma Murtu – We carry a coolamon and sing to country together as part of Brisbane’s Clancestry Festival.
Wow! It was Aunty Delmae, the Mother, who carried the Coolamon with Possum Skin. It was her who planted the Seed that became the Kalkadunga man now globally acclaimed for his ability to make his Didgeridoo sing unlike any other – all swathed in the symphonic magic of a magnificent 45-piece orchestra. The mutual respect travelling between Mother and Son was so palpable that it seemed to be a physical entity of its own. The Strength of Generations.
And then, a mere few days later, there I was sitting in the sun outside Quaker Meeting House with Aunty Delmae showing her the Gratitude Book – page by glorious page covered with “Thank You” Letters – each one uniquely expressing LOVE, Appreciation, and an Enduring Promise of Standing Respectfully with First Nations Peoples in Their Ancient Lands. She read, smiling, her eyes shining … and then HER words “Thank You!"
Please reach out to your Family, Friends, the person in the street – Everyone! Inviting them to feel Gratitude. For in Gratitude there is Respectful Healing!
You have three ways to send your "Thankyou Letters" for Gratitude Books - Change.org (search for "Gratitude for Uluru") - or email GratitudeToUluru@gmail.com - or Post: to Gratitude to Uluru, POBox 224, Inala, Qld 4077
Our Biggest Thanks to you ALL ... Zohl de Ishtar and The Gratitude Team.