Champions

Today, I’m grateful for my champions, those people who have stepped up and sorted me out when I’ve needed it, or given me a bit of a shove when I’ve been holding back and needed to lean in. You have kept me out of gaol, selected me for teams, got me off the needle, given me a career, helped me recognise & act on my potential, enabled me to succeed when I otherwise might not have done.

I’m conscious of the doors you have opened for me and the opportunities you’ve given me. This knowledge drives me to do the same for others, to welcome those for whom being welcome is a rare experience, to care for the uncared for, and to love the unloved and the unlovable. You guys did that for me, and I think I’ve learned that lesson.

Harry Cohen talks about never giving up on anyone, about being ‘the sun and not the salt’. I aspire to being that person too. Thanks for everything, because that’s what you’ve given me.

Everything.

Må whero, mā pango, ka oti te mahi.