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Sometimes, a story in the news will grab my attention. It may be one full of heartbreaking twists and turns such as the murder of Allison Baden-Clay, or one that I feel like I have an affiliation with such as the disappearance of Jill Meagher in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A beautiful vibrant young woman, simply out with her friends on a Friday night. A few drinks, laughter, celebrating a birthday or the end of the working week...we've all been there. We've all been that girl. Nothing unusual at all to socialise with those that you love.
And then, her right to walk 500 meters home violated in the worst way and her life taken by a monster. In a split second her world changed and the terror and horror she must have felt is indescribable.
I went to bed last night knowing that a man had been charged, but I was still holding onto a sliver of hope that somehow against all odds she would be found, and taken safely back home to her husband and family. I woke up and the news that her body had been found bought me to tears, my stomach clenched into knots and I felt both heartsick and grief for her family and friends. I thought about the friends who had offered to walk her home multiple times and I hoped he wasn't blaming himself.
Yes, we should all feel like we have the right to walk where we want, whenever we want but the reality is that we can't control the unpredictable nature of others, those unstable monsters out there. Those lurking predators. I hope that one shining light from the tragedy of the loss of Jills life is that we all take the steps to remain safe, to be vigilant when walking home. Look after each other and take care.
My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope they can begin the healing process soon, and that full justice is given. This monster should never taste freedom again.
You've put into words what I've been struggling to since I saw the terrible news at 4.30 this morning. Tragic, unbelievably unfair, and absolutely a, "there but for the grace of God.."story for so many of us. xx
ReplyDeleteCass, this has affected me so much today. It could have been you, or me, and I think about the times we were innocently out enjoying ourselves and then making the trip home. Jill never got to go home, and it just devastates me. Love you xx
ReplyDeleteIt's just heart breaking isn't it! It feels so close to home. The man went to my sisters gym, Jill was taken around the corner from where my sister used to live and I tried on dresses in the bridal gown shops. Just heart wrenching! I just want to send best wishes to all those effected!
ReplyDeleteI hear you. We all connected with it in such a real and horrific way. It's something we've all done. Made the walk, done something we'd never let someone else do. Oh god. It's just so terrible. I hope she rests in peace.
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