Never say No to a gift

July 28, 2025

Dear Peeps,

I had the most awesome night at the AFL a few weeks ago.

And it was not just because The Lions won. It was because of the people I met.

You all know I love a chat, especially to strangers.

Firstly, I started talking to 🏃. 🏃is in his 70s and has run over 100 marathons. I felt good having run one, but he has run over 100. His mental strength must be phenomenal. I loved hearing about specific runs like the Boston Marathon. 🏃told a good tale. He then introduced me to 🦁 and H.

🦁 is his loving partner (not their first marriage, there is hope for me yet) and H is from Paupa New Guinea and it was her first AFL game. H was loving it and she could not have come with better people. 🦁 runs a Facebook page for Lions Fan and you can only post positive comments or she kicks you go 🦵🥊. Love your work 🦁. Because of this she has Lion's players wives on the page as they want to see positive news about their men - no trolls or keyboard warriors.

Back to the gift story. A few times H offer me her handbag. I said No, I could not take her bag. Finally, she emptied the contents into a plastic bag and said to me - My mother always said you should accept gifts. I learnt an important lesson that night.

Using my new bag

When H gave me her bilum, it was more than just a gift. It was a powerful gesture of trust, love, and cultural connection. In Papua New Guinea, a bilum is not simply a bag; it carries deep meaning, often symbolising identity, resilience, and the bond between women. The fact that she chose to pass hers on to me felt like being woven into her story, her community, and her strength. Every loop of the handwoven fibres holds a history, and in giving it to me, H was offering not just something handmade, but something heart-made; a piece of herself and her heritage.

I left then game on cloud nine because I got to sing The Lions song, I made three new friends and I am now part of a true Lions supporter Facebook page.