We see them every day, pushing their walking frames slowly around the shops, bent over, faltering, painful steps. For some they may become a nuisance, in the way, or just invisible.
These are the people who built this country, sacrificed for their children and worked to improve life for us.
This generation were born in the Depression, lost loved ones in wars or had to deal with effects of war in their families, and challenged many injustices.
Many Sutherland people knew Nancy. She walked up to Muhammed and Bilal's shop nearly every day from the aged-care facility in Flora Street and brought her paper, potato straws and coffees for the nursing staff.
We often spoke, and she reminded me that life can be tough, yet you must just keep going, and when we saw her litttle walking frame with her name embroidered on the front, she inspired many.
Sutherland has been under repair, streets dug up and footpaths dangerous for years, especially for anyone with diminished eyesight or dealing with a distraction.
When Nancy fell over, she really hurt herself and despite the care of shopkeepers, passers-by and medical care she died in hospital on October 4.
We will really miss her.
I would like to propose that we have a living memorial to Nancy, and people like her.
Can you imagine baskets of colourful flowers hanging from the light posts, up and down Flora Street, around the CBD, and station. Not only would it look beautiful, it would remind all of us, that people pushing walking frames need to be looked after, helped and respected.
Safe footpaths are essential.
Joy Goodsell, Sutherland
Would you support the idea of the memorial?
