I was going to write a post about something light and airy, superfluous and funny today. But then I went shopping and my day changed. And my mood. And a whole lot of people’s lives.
I was in Bondi Junction going to pick up some new glasses because people have started printing things really small these days. I parked my car and went through the entrance I always use – near the sushi place and the fruit shop, that way I know I will always find my car again.
There was nothing going on in my head, no profound thoughts or meaningful contemplations when I heard a big noise, sensed a huge commotion. I tried not to gawk and stare and make a nuisance of myself as I saw people running around in different directions. I am not the kind of person who stops at accidents or watches hospital shows. I actively avoid things that I know are going to mess with my head. So I turned to get out of the way and check out the fresh fruit on display at the counter of Norton’s Fruit Shop.
And when I went back in that direction to go pick up my glasses there was a small white tent in the middle of the coffee shop, the kind that they use for models to change in at Westfield fashion shows. There was a woman with a towel (I think) around her shoulders sobbing. There were police everywhere and “crime scene” tape was being put up to cordon off the area.
There was no models in the tent of course. No one changing for a fashion show. But a man who allegedly killed himself on this beautiful Sydney summer’s day in a shopping centre full of Christmas cheer and holiday songs. Maybe he tripped, they say. But I have seen the railings at Bondi Junction, I have ordered my son away from them, I am not sure you can just stumble over them.
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I don’t know what happened to this man. I don’t know who he was or who the sobbing woman was. Maybe she was a bystander who got hurt. Maybe she was with him. Definitely she’ll never be the same.
And in other parts of Bondi Junction, before the news filtered through and they started to evacuate the centre, people shopped for their groceries and complained when they couldn’t find the brand of toilet paper they liked, bought Christmas gifts and cursed at the expense, bickered over phone contracts, struggled into jeans that were never going to fit. People ate too much for lunch and complained about their coffee, they hooted and beeped in the car park because there was traffic and they flung their hands in the air because someone else took their parking.
And just metres away a man lay dead on the shopping centre floor in a little white makeshift tent.
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What a heartbreaking way to shift in our perspective. A terrible thing to witness, yet your last paragraph speaks in volumes about how insignificant some things in our life can be xx
How truly sad. What an incredible contrast he made to the world around him.
And I’ve spent all day bitching because I fell over and hurt myself.
Perspective.
xox
This was such a moving post. Truly shocking and eye opening!
I am so very sorry that you had to witness this Lana.
Yes, it does put things in perspective. I mean who really cares if we get stuck in the car park for an extra 10 mins. In the scheme of things, you’re not going to even give it another thought tomorrow.
I was a little horrified & disgusted when you mentioned people had their cameras out, but had to stop & think that in this age, everyone with a smart phone is a reporter. When the news outlets are asking for viewer stories, pictures & footage it is no wonder that some people would automatically get out their phones.
Fate placed you at the scene. Fate chose not to make you a part of the scene.
So awful. I am sorry that you and so many others witnessed it today.
Thoughts are with the deceased, his family and those who saw what happened.
Witnessing such a tragic event from close quarters, during your seemingly regular and inconsequential day, makes it all the more profound. Deeply sad and philosophical.
Thanks for keeping me away xxx
Poor man to have no hope. But, oh, the poor family, the friends who now live with the terrible pain of knowing that he obviously thought no-one could help him. They now live with this agony forever.
So deeply sad. I know a number of people whose lives will never been the same after somebody they were closed too committed suicide. It does change everything 🙁
The darker side of Christmas. It’s not all tinsel and holiday cheer for so many 🙁 A sad day indeed.
I have no understanding of people sticky-beaking and taking photo’s of accidents/incidents?! Imagine if that was your family member? I have to frequently remind my 10year old not to stare at people tho’ I know it’s human nature to be curious..but to stand and gawp? Offer to help or move on, I say
I was there when this happened. Last night I had a lot of trouble sleeping last night, tossing and turning, thinking how 1) a person could have slipped over the railing, and 2) how the poor lady who’s table he landed on while eating her lunch will ever get over this. If he did intend on taking his own life, it’s a selfish act to ruin others lives.
He was my managers Dad…
They still don’t know if it was a accident or suicide… The family is shattered… So many questions
Oh Grace I can only imagine. Huge strength to all of them (and to you for being so close to it) xx