MONICA BATISTE

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4/24/2012

My Dad on Anzac day

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Dad on Anzac Day
Monica Batiste


My dad was a soldier, from the day he enlisted till the day he died; the army was his blood.

On Anzac morning, at four years old, I would run to the front of the house to watch my dad and the marching band go by. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to join him. From eight I would be wearing beanies and leg warmers to keep out the cold, too young to join them for breakfast.

Dad fought in Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. He left for Vietnam when I was 2. I don’t remember him leaving, but I remember him coming home. I was 3 and there was a big kerfuffle about getting to the airport to bring daddy home.

I wondered what a daddy was.

We went on a big tarmac and two soldiers came towards us, I tugged on my mothers hand ‘which one is my daddy?’ A big man scooped me into his arms and held me for the longest time.

He was awarded a bronze star from the US government for bravery. His friends stood at his funeral and talked about how he held back enemy fire all night to save their lives. An old soldier knelt at his grave and poured a bottle of rum into the earth. ‘This is for you Blacky,’ he said. ‘Thanks.’

‘It’s the nightmares’ he told me, opening a can of beer, ‘that make it the hardest. I saw things in Vietnam that I want to forget.’

He never did forget but he never told us either. Of all the wars and bullets my father dodged it was the surgeon’s knife that killed him.

We held a funeral befitting a soldier and much loved man.

I’ll always remember how he woke us with a whistle and a dance on Saturday mornings. How he claimed ice cream after 10pm had no calories. How he pondered the meaning of life.

The bugle played ‘The Last Post’ at his funeral, so on Anzac morning as I march in his honour with his medals on my heart, I think of my dad. I march for my dad. I march for peace. I march for all of the soldiers that were willing to make that sacrifice.

Rest in Peace Dad.

We love you.

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    About Monica

    I am a yoga teacher, author and artist.
    I earn my income through teaching yoga, painting, and creating books. I specialise in supporting children, schools, and families to grow into their best selves.
    I would appreciate a review and feedback so that I can continue to grow and improve my work.
    My husband and I share four beautiful daughters, and seven awesome grandchildren. We live north of Brisbane, Australia. Our next step is to explore the world, continue to connect with our family, and to serve wherever we can.
    You can follow me on Teacherspayteachers, Facebook or Instagram. I hope to meet you on one of my travels. I am happy to do free talks for schools and parent groups.
    Love.
    Monica. 

    Blogs by Monica

    Growing Emotional Intelligence
    1. Growing Emotional Intelligence through Virtues
    2. QUIZ on self-esteem
    3. Random acts of Kindness
    4. Virtues are the Building blocks of character
    5. Creating a Vision Board
    6. How to Visualise your goals
    7. Challenging my working class status​
    Yoga 
    1. PTSD and Yoga
    2. ​Yoga and Stress
    3. ​Balancing life with Yoga
    4. Growing Self-Esteem through Yoga 
    5. Yoga at 14000 feet
    6. Yoga under the sea
    7. Meditating with Dog poo
    On Publishing
    1. 15 Steps on Self-Publishing your book
    2. Creating children's book 'Yoga for Little Bears'
    3. Self Publishing
    4. 'If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything' Marty Mcfly
    on Life
    1. My Dad on ANZAC day
    2. How I borrowed Professors Brain for a Credit
    3. Challenging my working class status
    ART
    1. Portrait of my mother
    2. How I turned my speeding fine into a painting 
    3. Art is the seat of creation 

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  • Home
    • Yoga Classes
    • FAQ
    • Yoga for Little Bears
    • Media and Testimonials
    • Events >
      • Paint and Play
    • About Monica
  • Artist
    • Art exhibitions
    • Book Illustrations by Monica Batiste
  • Yoga Classes
    • Growing Emotional Intelligence through Yoga workshops
  • Store
    • Yoga for Little Bears
    • Book Illustrations by Monica Batiste >
      • Love your Dragon
      • Follow Your Dreams
    • Art & Words publishing
    • Wholesale products Monica Batiste
  • Online Beach Yoga
    • Beach Yoga classes during Isolation Monica Batiste
  • Blog