When I was young
When I was young the greatest concern I had in life was....well to be honest I had very few concerns and those that I did have were insignificant compared to the concerns that surround so many young people in 2011. Whether the white cleaner would be dry on my runners before sports day or before my next netball match concerned me but never consumed me. I knew nothing about money or debts, about job security, about war or poverty. I was protected from issues that could cause a young person worry. I would worry when I realised Mum was cooking creamed rice for sweets as I knew I would be made to eat it and every time I tried I gagged on it. I still can't eat the dreaded stuff. I grew up with a mother and father, my father worked and I would often visit him in his workplace and feel very proud that the Mr Ritchie was my dad. Mum would walk with us along Murray Street stopping to chat to people as we went towards Dad shop. Dad always smiled and looked pleased to see us a...