25th April 2015

4:00 a.m. – Hanbels’ alarm goes off.
4:20 a.m. – She is rugged up, half-awake and riding her bike to meet up with Andrew’s Aunty
5:00 a.m – They both meet up with 80,000 other Perthians at Kings Park for the 100 Year Commemorative Dawn Service, for ANZAC Day
5:30 a.m. – After a decent ride in, they both find their bodies attempting to cool down. However, given that the sun still hasn’t risen this is absolute torture. They chatter their teeth, shake uncontrollably and pile on extra layers before realizing that is isn’t even half of what the Australian soldiers had to endure.

5:50 a.m. – The service begins, and has a profound effect on everyone in attendance. Near-silence is maintained for almost an hour (who can blame the littlies for their outbursts!) as the sun rises and “The Last Post” echoes over the crowd. Something stirs inside of them, feeling so moved by hearing the bugle playing those familiar notes.

6:50 a.m. – Feeling elated, grateful and humbled (but still FREEZING) they take in the breathtaking views and slowly make their way back to their bikes.

7:00 a.m. – To un-thaw, they ride as quick as lightning (no exaggeration) on a hunt for coffee and stumble upon City Farm Café. The coffee was hot, the sun had begun shining and the conversation had ventured to travel and all the countries left to visit!

8:00 a.m. – Hanbel returns home, and attempts to nap but instead gets busy baking ANZAC biscuits.

With her house smelling of baked goods for the rest of the day, she is left with a smile on her face.
Not only because the biscuits turned out pretty well, but because she realises just how lucky she is that people her age went through hell 100 years ago so that she could lead this lovely, free life.

Lest We Forget.
Hanbel.
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