A Backpack Filled With What Was Your Life!

Suddenly, stuff becomes a heavy burden...

So really, what would you take in your backpack? We've seen the pain and suffering on refugees and before they have even arrived anywhere, they had to make a choice. What to take of a lifetime of possessions and experiences. The other day I was waiting in Oberwart and saw some refugees waiting for the bus.

There were a few young kids about four years old, in the group. The one girl had a colourful backpack on her shoulders. One of those My princess or so and it got me wondering about what she had chosen? A favourite teddy perhaps or a colouring in book? Quite sad to think of this while most kids battle to walk into their bedrooms because their excessive amount of not-interesting-anymore toys are scattered everywhere!

So, what would you take if you had to?

• A change of clothing
• Books
• Photo's of your family, wedding photo, Grandparents, first day at school, graduation etc...
• All your personal papers...deeds, birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport,
• A First Aid kit with copious amounts of plasters for your soon to be blistered feet.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, face creams etc...
• Family pet...well, the dog would run with you but a cat would have to be carried.
• A whole lot of courage.

As you can see, the list is endless but the space of a backpack is oh so small. Remember, you will have to carry this for many miles and many days. And don't forget, all this is carried with a feeling of fear, sadness, hope, anger and hopelessness all bundled together.

The way this crisis has unfolded has so many aspects to it and so many rights and wrongs with it. Collectively, we will solve this crisis and suffering, not tomorrow but soon.

As for your life in a backpack...

Next time you buy something, ask yourself if it is important enough to be taken in your backpack...if not, perhaps don't buy it!

Biggi