I did not intentionally head to Martin Place in Sydney tonight, the scene of the siege a week ago today that resulted in the loss of three lives … but find myself there I did. There are more flowers than I expected, filling five or six large barricaded off areas.
What really surprised me was the people solemnly filing past the flowers – many family groups together including plenty of young kids respectfully taking in the sea of colour.
I think the reaction speaks to the difference of life in Australia. A siege resulting in deaths is rare here as is gun violence, thankfully.
What happened a week ago shocked the country and I can see the extraordinary floral tributes and visiting them providing a small outlet through which people have been able to publicly express their shock and to reflect on the lives lost and the impact on those who survived.
None of this relates this blog and running a newsagency – except that it further informs my own view of the world and this blog is, in part, just that.
I was there on Sunday with my wife and 8 year old. I’m so glad we went. My 8 year old spent 10 minutes composing her own tribute in the condolence book. It was like therapy for her.