Brad | Warkworth
“My mother’s input and the way she cared for me is significant and stands out to me.
Firstly, when I was about four, my mother had a new partner in her life, and he was an alcoholic, and he was very abusive and volatile through my years of growing up, but one thing my mother always attempted to do was to care for me and protect me and teach me about love and kindness, and I think that’s what’s kept me solid through the years as I’ve travelled along my journey.
I do have many childhood memories that were positive and good ones. Not directly, I’d have to probably dig a little bit deep, deeper to find that. I think one of the main ones was going to the beach with my mum, and she’d sit there for hours while I swam, and attempted to learn to surf, and it could be the stormiest of days, and she’d still be there by my side.
I have a daughter who’s 21. Her name’s Jade, and I’ve made certain over the years that we have a bond and a connection. We’re both very close, and I think that’s something, you know, that once again, my mother shared with me, that I was able to share with my own child.
Well, the connection that I have with my daughter has always been about the communication that we have with each other, and the support that we have for each other. I’ve made sure over the years, whether I’ve been in New Zealand or Australia, I always make sure I see my girl, because I understand how important that bond is. I didn’t have it as a child. My natural father was in my life until I was four and then he wasn’t again for many years, and it hurt me. It was very painful.
I’ve been on quite a journey the last few years. I’ve had a relationship break-up, of a relationship that’s been 19 years in the making, and I’m learning I think more now than ever, the understanding that I’m not perfect, and there’s things about me I need to change and do, to better myself, and I guess it’s just a process right now, but I know that I’m going to find myself again, and I’m going to be okay.”
