Uncle Ed
The Goanna Story26 total reviews
Comment from Sarah Tummey
I think if I had children in the house, I wouldn't want to teach them about the Easter bunny (we never had that growing up), and I would make sure they knew Santa flying around the world wasn't real. I think that's important because once, I went to my local writers' circle and people had written a Christmassy piece. One lady wrote that when she found out Santa wasn't real, it made her question other things her parents had taught her were true, like the existence of God.
I like the 'Uncle' and 'Auntie' as a show of respect. One of the girls I sponsored in the Philippines wanted to call me Ate, which meant 'Elder sister', so I wrote Ate Sarah at the end of letters and cards.
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023
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I think if I had children in the house, I wouldn't want to teach them about the Easter bunny (we never had that growing up), and I would make sure they knew Santa flying around the world wasn't real. I think that's important because once, I went to my local writers' circle and people had written a Christmassy piece. One lady wrote that when she found out Santa wasn't real, it made her question other things her parents had taught her were true, like the existence of God.
I like the 'Uncle' and 'Auntie' as a show of respect. One of the girls I sponsored in the Philippines wanted to call me Ate, which meant 'Elder sister', so I wrote Ate Sarah at the end of letters and cards.
Comment Written 09-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023
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Thank you Sarah. It can be a real issue. When ours were small we told them about Santa etc but Santa only gave a small gift (so they could be like others) and we gave the main gift. Very early we taught them Santa wasn?t real, but just for fun, it was like a fairy story that people told to encourage people to be happy and share, but we always kept Jesus as the focus of our family celebrations. They put Santa etc in the same category as the Greek and Norse myths and legends they read about in school, not to be taken seriously, but we asked them not to spoil the fantasy for others. I think that?s what they are doing now for their own kids.
Thank you for such a thoughtful review. Always appreciated. Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
What a great thing for Uncle Ed to do. I'm sure he enjoys this project as much as the children do. Surely people wouldn't think this was inappropriate it is storytelling. Well written Wendy. Cheers
Valda
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2023
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What a great thing for Uncle Ed to do. I'm sure he enjoys this project as much as the children do. Surely people wouldn't think this was inappropriate it is storytelling. Well written Wendy. Cheers
Valda
Comment Written 07-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2023
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Thank you Valda. Some people would be prejudiced simply because he is an Aboriginal man. Unfortunately.
Wendy
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Wendy,
What a great story about Uncle Ed! I enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for sharing it.
You know, it's a shame that schools don't invite more seniors in for a short talk now and then. They have so much to offer. Many have gone through World War II, for example. There are some seniors who know about hunting and fishing, or growing garden plants, etc. Some even know about writing stories and poems! I write some poems for Saint John's local historian... David Goss. We met through my children's poems (which was all I wrote when I joined Fanstory back in June of 2010). He always visits schools to read them poems or stories. He contacted me to ask if I'd allow him to read my poems to the kids. Of course, I was tickled that he would do that!
Hugs,
Kimbob
P.S. By the way, Wendy, I've been enjoying the Womens' FIFA soccer games from your country. Canada was sent home, but I'm still watching!
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023
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Hi Wendy,
What a great story about Uncle Ed! I enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for sharing it.
You know, it's a shame that schools don't invite more seniors in for a short talk now and then. They have so much to offer. Many have gone through World War II, for example. There are some seniors who know about hunting and fishing, or growing garden plants, etc. Some even know about writing stories and poems! I write some poems for Saint John's local historian... David Goss. We met through my children's poems (which was all I wrote when I joined Fanstory back in June of 2010). He always visits schools to read them poems or stories. He contacted me to ask if I'd allow him to read my poems to the kids. Of course, I was tickled that he would do that!
Hugs,
Kimbob
P.S. By the way, Wendy, I've been enjoying the Womens' FIFA soccer games from your country. Canada was sent home, but I'm still watching!
Comment Written 06-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023
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Thank you for a wonderful review. And for the beautiful six stars, which I value and appreciate every single time! Congratulations on having your children's poems read at schools. That is a great honour. And yes, I agree - a variety of visiting speakers can be tremendous for children - it's all part of learning, whether formally or informally.
Sorry about your Canada girls - but our team HAD to win that match! The loss to Nigeria was a shock, but perhaps it was because their captain (Sam Kerr) was side-lined with an unfortunate injury. I think they are back on target now and I hope they do well. They are a lovely lot of girls/young women. Keep watching (and barrack for us!) Lol.
Wendy
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I love the game, Wendy. I played on the Red Barons team when I was going to university back in the early 70s. Two years. It was a lot of fun. You have to be in tremendous shape... there's a lot of running! I prefer to watch the women play rather than the men.
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is a beautiful story about Uncle Ed. I admire the school for allowing him to come in, bring a craft, and introduce the children to another culture. Some children will have their craft for years to come, while others will be inspired to seek additional information about Aboriginal people. It sounds as though the school is interested in children having a well rounded education.
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023
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This is a beautiful story about Uncle Ed. I admire the school for allowing him to come in, bring a craft, and introduce the children to another culture. Some children will have their craft for years to come, while others will be inspired to seek additional information about Aboriginal people. It sounds as though the school is interested in children having a well rounded education.
Comment Written 05-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023
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Thank you for this lovely review. Yes, you are right. I am glad you enjoyed the story.
Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
What an interesting article about a fine, generous man. Isn't it interesting that so many people who have such an impact on others don't seek their own glory, but act anonymously out of the goodness of their hearts. Thanks for sharing this.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023
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Hello Wendy,
What an interesting article about a fine, generous man. Isn't it interesting that so many people who have such an impact on others don't seek their own glory, but act anonymously out of the goodness of their hearts. Thanks for sharing this.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 05-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023
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Yes, that is true humility and an act of loving service. Thank you very much, Tom.
Wendy
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Wendy,
love this acknowledgement of Uncle Ed.
I actually feel cheated in my experience with our educational system.
So much knowledge and opportunity missed in not having any form of our First Nations people acknowledged in any form. The lies and misinformation education delivered us back in my day. Sixty-five thousand years of continuous habitation of the mainland of Australia. I am so glad you posted something positive in the contribution of the custodians and caretakers of our land.
A well written essay Wendy.
First Nations people often refer to themselves as 'Uncle or Aunty', a term of respect.
I would have included elders instead of people.
With our thoughts we create...
Dreamtime.
Kind regards,
James.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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Hi Wendy,
love this acknowledgement of Uncle Ed.
I actually feel cheated in my experience with our educational system.
So much knowledge and opportunity missed in not having any form of our First Nations people acknowledged in any form. The lies and misinformation education delivered us back in my day. Sixty-five thousand years of continuous habitation of the mainland of Australia. I am so glad you posted something positive in the contribution of the custodians and caretakers of our land.
A well written essay Wendy.
First Nations people often refer to themselves as 'Uncle or Aunty', a term of respect.
I would have included elders instead of people.
With our thoughts we create...
Dreamtime.
Kind regards,
James.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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Good thought. I will change it to "elders" - many thanks for pointing it out. Interestingly, I had a brother and sister in my primary school class. Years later I realised they were part Aboriginal, and many years after that I realised they were undoubtedly part of the stolen generation. To us kids, they were just our friends Denise and Ben, who were good at sports, particularly running. Denise was a mother figure, a couple of years older than the rest of us. If any of us fell over we went rushing to Denise for comfort - she had the sweetest and kindest nature.
Last year, my seven-year-old granddaughter learned a few Aboriginal words at this school from a lady visitor. I believe she also told some stories.
Our leaders would do well to listen to our First Peoples regarding fire management, amongst a host of other things!
Thank you for a wonderful and thoughtful review.
Wendy
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Isn't it great to see the interaction at our schools now in regards to acceptance of language and lore... even if only in little increments of visitors and guest speakers. I would have loved to have had this. Thanks so much for your story about Sister and brother, Denise and Ben. I also had two sister in primary school who were aboriginal who I was close to... and then a stolen generation male I went to high school with Patrick Maglese. He ended up Australian flyweight boxing champion.
Really enjoyed your reply Wendy, thank you for sharing!
James.
Comment from CD Richards
As you say, Wendy, there are far more pernicious myths and legends that have wide acceptance. And I somehow doubt Uncle Ed insists the children take his stories at face value upon pain of unimaginable consequences.
The amount of work these projects must entail is astounding - I'm guessing that there might be some compensation for materials and time, and I for one wouldn't begrudge a penny of it.
I haven't heard of anyone like Uncle Ed visiting our local schools, but then again, I don't have school-aged children or grandchildren in the area. I hope there is someone offering a similar service. I think there is, rightly, a lot more attention paid to indigenous culture in primary schools of late, and that's a good thing.
Thanks for sharing this story. I have to admit I haven't made time to read dreamtime stories since I was at school myself, now you've made me want to revisit old ones and discover some I haven't heard.
The writing is great, as usual.
Craig
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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As you say, Wendy, there are far more pernicious myths and legends that have wide acceptance. And I somehow doubt Uncle Ed insists the children take his stories at face value upon pain of unimaginable consequences.
The amount of work these projects must entail is astounding - I'm guessing that there might be some compensation for materials and time, and I for one wouldn't begrudge a penny of it.
I haven't heard of anyone like Uncle Ed visiting our local schools, but then again, I don't have school-aged children or grandchildren in the area. I hope there is someone offering a similar service. I think there is, rightly, a lot more attention paid to indigenous culture in primary schools of late, and that's a good thing.
Thanks for sharing this story. I have to admit I haven't made time to read dreamtime stories since I was at school myself, now you've made me want to revisit old ones and discover some I haven't heard.
The writing is great, as usual.
Craig
Comment Written 04-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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Thank you Craig for your thoughtful review and I am glad it awoke an interest to read more legends.
Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
I am learning more about the Aboriginal people from writers like you. Here we have the Native Americans who are our original people and there are many tribes of them. In many ways I think they are similar to your original people.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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I am learning more about the Aboriginal people from writers like you. Here we have the Native Americans who are our original people and there are many tribes of them. In many ways I think they are similar to your original people.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much, Beth. I am glad you enjoyed this one.
Wendy
Comment from Julie Lau
Hey, good on you for this item, and good on Uncle Ed. I have met some Aunties and Uncles - they are always so sweet, always smiling and welcoming, and love their art.
Cheers, Julie
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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Hey, good on you for this item, and good on Uncle Ed. I have met some Aunties and Uncles - they are always so sweet, always smiling and welcoming, and love their art.
Cheers, Julie
Comment Written 04-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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Thank you! I agree with you. Those who take the time to get to know some Aunties and Uncles find them to be fine people, as you say warm and welcoming. I love their art too!
I am honoured and very encouraged by the six stars - many grateful thanks.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
Thank you for telling us about Uncle Ed! What a generous man to share his craft and stories with the children. Children need to know about the stories of the First Nations people and appreciate their culture. When I grew up in Hawaii, we even learned a Maori dance, a Tongan song, and yes, lots of Hawaiian songs and chants.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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Thank you for telling us about Uncle Ed! What a generous man to share his craft and stories with the children. Children need to know about the stories of the First Nations people and appreciate their culture. When I grew up in Hawaii, we even learned a Maori dance, a Tongan song, and yes, lots of Hawaiian songs and chants.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2023
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That sounds wonderful. I think the more we understand about other cultures the better. Thanks so much for your positive review.
Wendy