The Miles Family
This is a place to reflect and remember precious time spent with the Miles family…all much loved, respected and inspirational individuals who live on in our hearts and help us strive to remember that every moment is precious and that each of us can be a difference maker…
*I have started the journey back through photographs that span many years of Fishica groups (pre NLC)…nature play adventures at the River Mouth, at Ellensbrook grounds and beach, at my property in Margaret River, at the Organic Gardens in Margaret River and at our current location at Rosa Brook. On and off over these years Katrina and the children drifted naturally in and out of our various nature play & learning groups; their warmth, creativity, generosity of knowledge and love apparent to everyone who benefitting from spending time with them. Katrina worked as a facilitator for several terms before intentionally stepping back for the benefit of her beautiful family. Her intention was to act as a valued consultant as NLC moved forward and her vast knowledge, gentle ways and uncanny knack for imparting information in just the right way would have been a huge asset; a loss that is acknowledged and felt as we continue to work, with her not far from our minds.
We still use materials collected by Cynda (Fishica was privileged to help with Cynda’s first Soft Salvage children’s workshop at the Organic Garden)… and we still sit in our Forest Room each day at Rosa Brook, cleared and made safe with huge help from Peter.
So many of our NLC families knew the Miles Family, particularly Katrina and the children, who were so valued and cherished in the home schooling and autism group circles. And while there continues to be a huge hole that will require much effort, time and courage to fill… there is a legacy… largely due to Katrina’s generous and open heart…and her willingness to share knowledge and help others, regardless of her own load…And in this her wonderful work and spirit is never ending, channelled through others, both children and adults…a gift that somehow she continues to impart.
Into the future, NLC hopes to continue to honour the Miles family through regular shared morning teas in our Forest Room (complete with real tea pots, beautiful cups and freshly cooked scones )…through planting a tree and creating a circular bench around it, for all to enjoy sitting under it’s shady branches (and various little people no doubt climbing into said branches!)…a place for ongoing reflection and peace…And we will continue to enjoy and celebrate nature…books…community…creativity…sustainability…good food…family and friends…
To Cynda…to Peter…to Katrina…to Taye…to Rylan…to Arye and Kadyn…may our memories of you be warm, generous and heartfelt…authentic…filled with smiles….and tears…and grief…and most of all love and appreciation for all that you were and continue to be…
Rae Pethica
Out of respect for the Miles/Cockman family and friends, we will not include photographs here, although we have ensured families and friends who are in any photographs taken during NLC/Fishica sessions have been given the opportunity to see and/or have personal copies.
